Greece is emerging as a central destination for religious travelers seeking Biblical and New Testament-focused journeys as global travel patterns continue to evolve. Industry data and tour operator reporting show that Christian travelers are increasingly choosing Greece for biblical itineraries, citing accessibility, affordability and historical depth.
Official figures from the Bank of Greece confirm that international arrivals reached approximately 40.7 million in 2024, marking a 12.8 percent increase compared with 2023 and setting a new record for the country. Tourism receipts rose to about €21.6 billion ($25,4 billion).
Religious travelers drive demand for Apostle Paul sites
Provisional data for January through August 2025 indicate nearly 25 million visitors and roughly €16.7 billion ($19,4 billion) in revenue, with full-year arrivals expected to exceed 40 million once again. Mainland cultural destinations are among the strongest performers within this broader expansion.
Within that growth, operators report increasing demand for itineraries centered on sites connected to the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys, including Philippi, Corinth, Thessaloniki and Athens. Many programs also feature Patmos, traditionally associated with the Book of Revelation, and extend to Ephesus in neighboring Türkiye.
Faith travel adjusts to regional shifts
The rise in biblical travel to Greece coincides with adjustments in travel to Israel, which remains below pre-2023 levels according to international aviation and tourism reporting. Instead of canceling pilgrimages, many churches and small groups are redirecting plans to destinations that combine scriptural significance with well-developed tourism infrastructure.
US-based operators report growing interest in curated New Testament itineraries. Industry representatives say faith travel demand remains resilient, particularly for organized groups seeking educational and heritage-focused experiences.
Observers attribute Greece’s growing appeal to several factors, including its central role in the New Testament narrative, strong air connectivity, established hospitality networks, the integration of biblical history with classical and archaeological heritage, and the popularity of Aegean cruise itineraries that include Patmos and ports in western Türkiye.
Cruise expansion reinforces biblical Greece’s appeal to religious travelers
The cruise sector is reinforcing this upward trajectory. Greece welcomed around 5 million cruise passengers in 2024, generating approximately €1.11 billion ($1,3 billion) in cruise tourism revenue, a 22 percent increase over 2023, according to the Bank of Greece.
Cruise ship visits and passenger stop-overs also rose significantly year-over-year. Industry associations forecast cruise traffic to grow by more than 10 percent in 2025, while early bookings for 2026 indicate continued demand for cultural and faith-based travel to Greece.