Greece Attracts 11% of Island Tourists Worldwide, Study Finds

• 7 November, 25

According to a new report by the National Bank of Greece (NBG), Greece attracts over 11% of all island tourists worldwide, securing its position as one of the world’s leading island tourism destinations.

The study, titled “Greek Islands,” highlights that the country’s islands play a central role in driving Greece’s tourism growth, while also facing increasing pressure on infrastructure due to soaring visitor numbers.

A Key Player in Global Island Tourism

In 2024, global island destinations welcomed 150 million international tourists, with the Mediterranean region accounting for around 40% of that total. Greece alone captured 11% of the global market, ranking alongside Hawaii, Bali, and Phuket as one of the world’s most popular island destinations.

Greece welcomed 36 million international visitors in 2024, representing about 2% of total global tourism. Of these, 16 million tourists (44%) chose to visit the Greek islands — a figure that has doubled over the past 12 years, rising from 8 million in 2012 to 14 million in 2019.

Among Greece’s most visited islands, Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu rank within the top 30 island destinations globally. Within the Mediterranean, Greece leads the way, with 62% of its international visitors heading to island destinations, far ahead of Spain (30%), Italy (6%), and France (2%).

Rising Need for Infrastructure Investment

Despite its strong tourism performance, the report warns that rapid visitor growth is putting significant strain on island infrastructure. To maintain sustainable development, Greece will need to invest around €3.5 billion annually until 2035 — totaling €35 billion — to meet future tourism demand.

Of this, about €1 billion per year is required to handle peak-season population surges (which can reach up to 50%), while another €500 million annually is needed to offset operational costs related to the islands’ geographic challenges.

Luxury Hotel Sector on the Rise

The report also highlights a rapid expansion in Greece’s luxury hotel market, particularly on the islands. Over the past decade, the number of four- and five-star hotel beds has surged by 119% in the Ionian Islands, 64% in the South Aegean, 56% in Crete, and 50% in the North Aegean.

Today, luxury hotels account for 66% of total capacity in the South Aegean, 65% in Crete, 51% in the Ionian Islands, and 29% in the North Aegean.

The Key to Sustainable Growth

The “Greek Islands” study reaffirms Greece’s leading position in global island tourism. However, to maintain growth and ensure sustainability, the report emphasizes that continued infrastructure upgrades and investment in high-end tourism will be essential.

Cre: Greek Travel Pages