Greece continues to shine as one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations in 2025, breaking records in both international arrivals and tourism revenue. The country’s tourism industry has shown impressive resilience and growth, setting new benchmarks in the first nine months of the year. The latest report released by the Greece’s Tourism Confederation’s research institute, INSETE, highlights an extraordinary increase in international air arrivals, up by 1.2 million passengers, or 5.5%, compared to the previous year.
As the summer season came to an end, the numbers revealed a solid surge in Greece’s popularity as a holiday hotspot. International airports such as Athens and Thessaloniki have seen notable increases in passenger traffic, reflecting Greece’s status as a major player in global tourism. Additionally, the country’s financial receipts from tourism also reached historic levels, marking a 12% rise in travel receipts.
This remarkable growth has not only contributed to Greece’s economy but also highlighted the increasing demand for alternative accommodation options, such as short-term rentals, which are seeing record highs in availability. Overall, the upward trajectory of Greece’s tourism industry continues to outperform expectations, and 2025 is set to be a landmark year in its history.
Greece’s Surge in International Air Arrivals
- Total air arrivals: 23.8 million passengers (January–September 2025)
- Increase: 1.2 million passengers, or 5.5% compared to 2024
- Peak performance period: July–September (13.5 million passengers, a 5.3% increase)
The international air arrivals for the first nine months of 2025 demonstrate a steady and consistent growth pattern across the year. The peak period between July and September saw 13.5 million passengers, marking a significant 5.3% rise compared to the previous year, with August being particularly noteworthy, seeing a 6.2% surge.
Key airport performances reflect this growth:
- Athens International Airport (AIA): 7 million passengers, a 9.6% increase YoY
- Thessaloniki: 10% increase, surpassing 2.1 million arrivals
- Peloponnese airports (Kalamata and Araxos): Double-digit growth (+11%)
Greece’s regional airports also posted impressive results, including the island regions of Crete, the Dodecanese, and the Ionian Islands, all of which saw significant increases in arrivals.
Growth in Greece’s Tourism Revenue
- Travel receipts: €16.7 billion (January–August 2025)
- Revenue increase: 12% compared to 2024
- Top markets: Germany, France, UK, USA
Tourism revenue has been another bright spot for Greece’s tourism sector in 2025. Between January and August, Greece saw travel receipts hit €16.7 billion, representing a robust 12% growth compared to the same period last year. This increase was driven by a combination of higher spending by visitors from the EU (+9.4%) and non-EU markets (+14.9%).
The top source markets contributing to this growth include:
- Germany: €2.64 billion (+6.6%)
- France: €1.02 billion (+5.5%)
- Italy: €984 million (+1.4%)
- United Kingdom: €2.48 billion (+8.7%)
- United States: €1.17 billion (+20.6%)
This surge in revenue highlights Greece’s increasing appeal to travelers from diverse global markets, especially the United States, which has shown a significant rise in demand.
The Rise of Short-Term Rentals in Greece
- Short-term rental listings: 247,000 (August 2025)
- Growth: +14,000 listings compared to 2024
- Bed capacity: Exceeds one million during summer months
The short-term rental sector in Greece continues to expand at an impressive rate, further solidifying its role as a key player in the country’s tourism landscape. By August 2025, the number of available short-term rental listings had reached a record 247,000, marking a 14,000 increase from the previous year. The sector’s rapid growth is indicative of the changing dynamics in traveler preferences, with more people opting for home-style accommodations over traditional hotels.
This growth has also led to a corresponding rise in bed capacity, consistently exceeding one million beds throughout the summer months. These alternative accommodation options are now a critical pillar alongside the more conventional hotel industry, offering greater flexibility and diversity for travelers.
The Rise of Alternative Accommodation: A Complement to Traditional Hotels
As Greece’s tourism market matures, the importance of short-term rentals alongside traditional hotel offerings is becoming increasingly evident. Travelers now have more choices than ever, whether staying in boutique hotels or private homes. The short-term rental sector, while already significant, continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs of global tourists.
In many regions of Greece, particularly in urban centers and islands, short-term rentals have become an essential component of the accommodation landscape. Cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, along with islands like Mykonos and Santorini, have seen a notable shift towards this form of lodging, driven by its affordability and the local experience it provides.
Regional Performance of Greece’s Islands
While overall growth is evident across Greece, certain island regions continue to perform exceptionally well:
- Crete: 5 million arrivals (+4.6%)
- Dodecanese: 4.1 million arrivals (+2.2%)
- Ionian Islands: 3.7 million arrivals (+4.7%)
However, some areas have seen slight declines, with the Cyclades region experiencing a 6.4% drop in arrivals, largely due to a decrease in tourists visiting Santorini (-12.8%). On the other hand, Mykonos recorded a modest increase of 2.4%, continuing to be a popular destination despite the fluctuating trends.
The Continued Resilience of Greece’s Tourism Industry
Despite the fluctuations in some regions, Greece’s tourism industry remains remarkably resilient, driven by its consistent appeal to both European and international visitors. The growth trajectory witnessed in 2025 underscores the sector’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and continue attracting tourists from around the world.
The remarkable increase in arrivals, revenue, and the growth of short-term rentals suggest that Greece is on track to break even more records in the years to come. Its diversified appeal, rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and a wide variety of accommodation options ensure that the country remains one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
Conclusion: A Banner Year for Greece’s Tourism Sector
In conclusion, 2025 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for Greece’s tourism industry. The increase in international air arrivals, robust tourism receipts, and the steady growth of short-term rentals highlight the country’s growing importance in the global tourism market. As Greece continues to maintain its appeal to both traditional and new markets, it sets a solid foundation for continued growth in the coming years. With its dynamic tourism offerings, Greece remains a premier destination for travelers seeking culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Summary of Key Facts:
- Total air arrivals: 23.8 million passengers (January–September 2025)
- Travel receipts: €16.7 billion (January–August 2025)
- Short-term rental listings: 247,000 (August 2025)
- Top performing regions: Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Dodecanese
- Growth sectors: Short-term rentals, increased transatlantic demand
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