Greece Sees 5.3% Increase in International Arrivals in January–July 2025

• 14 September, 25

Tourism in Greece showed robust momentum in early 2025, with international arrivals reaching 15.2 million in the first seven months and travel receipts up 11 percent in the first half of the year, signaling solid performance across both European and international markets.

According to data released by INSETE, the research arm of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), international air arrivals in January–July 2025 totaled 15.2 million, up 769,000, or 5.3 percent, compared to the same period in 2024. July alone saw 4.9 million arrivals, an increase of 212,000, or 4.6 percent, from July 2024.

Regional performance highlights

The upward trend continued across most regions. Crete led with 3.0 million passengers, up 121,000, or 4.2 percent, followed by the Dodecanese with 2.4 million arrivals, up 33,000, or 1.4 percent, and the Ionian Islands with 2.2 million, up 92,000, or 4.5 percent. The Peloponnese recorded 134,000 arrivals, a rise of 12,000, or 9.6 percent. In contrast, the Cyclades were the only region to see a decline, with 638,000 arrivals, down 51,000, or 7.4 percent, compared to the previous year.

Travel receipts show solid growth

Travel receipts in January–June 2025 reached 7,659 million euros, an increase of 11.0 percent over the same period in 2024. Growth was driven by both European Union residents, whose spending rose 8.5 percent to 4,070 million euros, and other international markets, which contributed 3,210 million euros, up 13.7 percent. Receipts from euro area countries totaled 3,291 million euros, up 7.7 percent, while EU countries outside the euro area contributed 779 million euros, up 12.4 percent.

Among key markets, Germany led the gains with 1,366 million euros in receipts, up 13.5 percent, followed by Italy at 345 million euros (+9.0 percent) and France at 456 million euros (+2.1 percent). The United Kingdom generated 1,082 million euros, up 7.3 percent, while the United States recorded a 29.4 percent increase to 704 million euros.

Short-term rentals reach new records

According to INSETE, the number of short-term rental accommodations continued its upward trajectory. May 2025 saw a record 236,000 available units, rising to 242,000 in June and 246,000 in July, the highest since January 2019. A similar trend was observed in available beds, which reached 1,038,000 in May, 1,061,000 in June, and a new peak of 1,078,000 in July—up 57,000 from July 2024.

Cre: news.gtp.gr