Foreign Arrivals to Greece Near 26 Million in First Eight Months of 2025

• 3 November, 25

According to preliminary data released by the Bank of Greece, the country welcomed approximately 25.9 million international visitors between January and August 2025, marking a 4.1% year-on-year increase.

This solid growth further strengthens Greece’s position as one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations.

During the same period, tourism revenue rose even faster — up 12% year-on-year to €16.7 billion, showing that despite global economic uncertainty, both visitor numbers and spending levels remain robust in Greece’s tourism sector.

Broad Growth in Arrivals: Air and Land Borders on the Rise

The Bank of Greece report shows:

• Air arrivals increased by 4.2% year-on-year
• Land border arrivals rose by 4.8%
• EU visitors reached 15.3 million (+0.2%)
• Non-EU visitors reached 10.6 million (+10.4%)

Among major source markets:

• Germany: +7.8% (3.89 million visitors)
• United Kingdom: +4.5% (3.28 million visitors)
• United States: +6.1% (1.08 million visitors)
• France: -6.3% (1.42 million visitors)
• Italy: +2.1% (1.58 million visitors)

In August alone, Greece welcomed 7.47 million foreign visitors, an 8.1% increase compared to last year.

Land arrivals surged 22.7%, while air arrivals grew 2.7%.

Record Tourism Revenue: Non-EU Markets Drive Spending

From January to August 2025:

• Revenue from EU tourists reached €9.18 billion (+9.4%)
• Revenue from non-EU tourists reached €6.7 billion (+14.9%)

Key spending markets included:

• United Kingdom: €2.48 billion (+8.7%)
• Germany: €2.64 billion (+6.6%)
• United States: €1.17 billion (+20.6%)

Average visitor spending also saw a clear increase:

• Average spend per visitor: €613 (+7.2% YoY)
• August average spend: €576.5 (+1.7% YoY)

Total tourism revenue in August 2025 climbed 10.5%, exceeding €4.5 billion.

Notably, non-EU markets drove the surge with a 30.5% increase in revenue, while EU market spending fell slightly by 2%.

This trend highlights a shift toward higher-spending long-haul travelers and a stabilization in European visitor expenditure.

Greek Tourism Continues to Climb: Poised for a Record Year

Industry experts say that with both visitor numbers and tourism income rising steadily, 2025 could become another record-breaking year for Greek tourism.

Thanks to its rich cultural heritage, world-class beaches, modern infrastructure, and safe environment, Greece continues to attract travelers from across the globe.

From Santorini and Crete to Athens and Rhodes, the country is consolidating its reputation as both a leading European tourism powerhouse and a prime investment destination, fueling sustainable growth for the Greek economy.

Cre: news.gtp.gr