Germany Joins UK, Italy, And Other Popular Hubs In Booming Tourism As Greece Experiences Twenty Percent Growth In Outbound Travel In 2025

Published on December 21, 2025

Germany joins UK, Italy, and other popular destinations in experiencing a surge in Greek outbound tourism, with a 20% increase in both the number of travelers and spending abroad in the first nine months of 2025. This growth reflects a broader shift in Greek travel habits, as tourists seek new, culturally rich destinations like Egypt and the UAE, while still maintaining a strong connection to traditional European hubs. The rise in travel is fueled by increased disposable income, the flexibility of remote work, and the allure of unique cultural experiences, signaling a new era of global exploration for Greek travelers.

Greece has seen a remarkable transformation in its outbound tourism trends in 2025, with a strong surge in travel and spending abroad. Data from Visa reveals a notable 20% increase in the number of Greek travelers and spending abroad between January and September 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This growth underscores the changing preferences of Greek tourists, who are increasingly choosing international destinations that offer a blend of cultural exploration, luxury, and adventure.

The Surge in Greek Outbound Tourism

Greek outbound tourism has undergone a significant shift in 2025, with travel to traditional European hubs like Italy, Germany, and the UK remaining popular while new and emerging destinations are gaining traction. This diversification of travel choices is a response to Greek travelers’ growing desire for unique experiences that go beyond the well-worn routes of Western Europe.

From January to September 2025, outbound travel from Greece rose by 20%, reflecting a surge in Greek citizens’ travel plans and increased disposable income. This rise in outbound trips was accompanied by a corresponding 20% increase in spending abroad, indicating that Greek tourists are prioritizing their international experiences and willing to allocate more resources for these journeys.

As part of this growing demand for international travel, Greece has witnessed a clear shift toward budget-friendly, short-term escapes and culturally rich, off-the-beaten-path destinations. The rise of new hotspots like Egypt, the UAE, Albania, and Slovenia has marked a departure from the traditional reliance on Europe’s major tourism destinations, offering Greek travelers more choices than ever before.

Exploring New Destinations

While countries like Italy, Germany, and the UK continue to remain at the top of Greek travel itineraries, emerging destinations have seen a sharp rise in Greek tourist arrivals in 2025. Greece’s new travel trends indicate a hunger for culture-rich destinations and emerging travel markets, as well as an interest in less mainstream European spots.

One of the most remarkable developments in Greek outbound tourism has been the surge in visits to Egypt. Between January and September 2025, traveler numbers to Egypt increased by over 80%. This surge in interest is largely attributed to the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in late 2025. Situated near the Giza Pyramids, the GEM is positioned as a flagship cultural attraction, making Egypt more accessible and appealing to tourists from Greece. As more Greek travelers discover the ancient wonders of Egypt, the country has quickly become a popular and exotic destination.

Other less familiar destinations like Albania, Slovenia, and the UAE have also seen notable increases in Greek visitors in 2025. These countries, once considered fringe destinations for Greek travelers, are now emerging as key players in the outbound travel market. This trend is in line with broader global shifts in tourism, with travelers seeking new adventures and unique experiences that go beyond the usual tourist routes.

Despite the growth in emerging markets, traditional European destinations remain highly popular among Greek travelers. Italy, Germany, the UK, France, and Turkey continue to dominate the list of Greece’s top travel destinations. These countries retain their significance due to longstanding historical, cultural, and commercial ties between them and Greece.

Spending Patterns: Tailored to Destinations

As Greek tourists explore new destinations and revisit popular ones, their spending habits are increasingly influenced by the unique offerings of each destination. The types of expenses incurred depend largely on the attractions, culture, and experiences available in the destination country.

1. Italy: One of Greece’s most popular destinations, Italy attracts Greek tourists with its rich cultural heritage, art, and fashion. Greek visitors to Italy spend approximately 20% of their travel budget on clothing and accessories, nearly double the average spending seen across other markets. This trend highlights the strong pull of Italy’s fashion scene and its iconic status as a global retail hub. Shopping, particularly for high-end brands and unique Italian designs, is a major draw for Greek tourists visiting Italy.
2. Germany: Spending patterns in Germany reveal a different set of priorities for Greek tourists. Many Greeks traveling to Germany allocate a larger portion of their budget to food and groceries, indicating that they prefer self-catering accommodation or may be visiting family and friends. This suggests a shift toward more budget-conscious travel arrangements, where travelers opt for more affordable, local experiences rather than splurging on hotels and restaurants.
3. France: Greece’s love affair with France continues, especially in Paris, which remains one of the most visited cities by Greek tourists. Spending on entertainment and cultural activities is 3% higher than the average for other tourists. The post-Olympics cultural renaissance in Paris, with its vibrant art, theater, and music scenes, has become a significant draw for Greek visitors. Many Greek travelers dedicate part of their budgets to enjoying these cultural experiences, further cementing France’s place as a cultural hub for tourists.
4. United Kingdom: The UK, particularly London, remains a top shopping destination for Greek tourists. Spending in major department stores exceeds the average by 4%. London’s iconic retail scene, from high-street shopping to luxury boutiques, continues to attract Greek visitors, making it one of the most sought-after shopping hubs in Europe.

The Summer Surge and Its Global Impact

While domestic tourism remains strong during Greece’s summer months, there is also a significant uptick in outbound travel. As domestic tourism peaks between June and August, outbound travel spending increases by 25% compared to the previous year. This rise in international travel during the summer months indicates that more Greek tourists are choosing to spend their summer holidays abroad rather than remaining in Greece.

This growing trend of international summer holidays is reflective of the broader global tourism landscape, where travelers are increasingly opting for short-haul escapes or city breaks to nearby Mediterranean or European destinations. As Greece’s coastal tourism reaches its height, Greek tourists are exploring international cities and cultural destinations instead of limiting themselves to their home country.

Growth Drivers: Why Greek Tourism is Booming

The surge in Greek outbound tourism can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Rising Disposable Income: As Greece continues to recover from the economic challenges of recent years, Greek citizens are experiencing increased disposable income. This financial stability has made it easier for many Greeks to invest in international travel.
2. Flexible Work Arrangements: The ongoing trend of flexible work arrangements and remote working has enabled more Greeks to take short trips throughout the year. The ability to work remotely allows travelers to take advantage of off-peak travel periods and explore new destinations during less crowded times.
3. Mature Aviation Market: Greece’s competitive aviation market, with numerous budget airlines offering affordable flights, has made it easier for Greeks to travel internationally. Cheaper fares to nearby hubs have opened up more opportunities for Greeks to explore cities in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
4. Post-Pandemic Travel Boom: The pent-up demand for travel following the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive tourism growth. As restrictions ease and international travel becomes more accessible, Greek tourists are eager to make up for lost time and visit destinations they have longed to explore.

Core Numbers and Growth Drivers

Below is a table summarizing the growth in Greek outbound travel and spending in 2025:

The rise in Greek outbound tourism in 2025 is not just about more travelers heading abroad—it’s about a shift in travel habits, driven by a blend of cultural exploration, luxury, and adventure. Greece’s evolving tourism profile reflects the global trend toward unique travel experiences, with Greek travelers exploring new destinations while still maintaining strong connections to traditional European favorites.

Germany joins UK, Italy, and other top destinations in the surge of Greek outbound tourism, with a 20% increase in travel and spending abroad in the first nine months of 2025. This growth is driven by Greeks seeking a mix of new cultural experiences and traditional European favorites, fueled by rising disposable income and flexible travel options.

With emerging destinations like Egypt, the UAE, and Albania becoming key players in Greece’s outbound tourism market, and spending patterns evolving to reflect preferences for cultural activities and shopping, it’s clear that Greek tourism is reshaping itself for the future. The continued growth in outbound travel and spending further highlights the increasing importance of international experiences for Greek tourists, reshaping the profile of the typical Greek traveler for years to come.