Greece Dominates the Global Tourism Scene in 2025 with over Sixteen Billion Euros in Revenue and Remarkable Growth in International Visitors

Published on October 29, 2025

In 2025, Greece has solidified its position as a global tourism leader, achieving an impressive €16.7 billion in travel revenue, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. This remarkable growth is fueled by a rise in inbound visitors, with 24.9 million tourists arriving, reflecting the country’s growing appeal as a prime destination. The surge in both air and land arrivals highlights Greece’s strong recovery and continued dominance in the global travel industry. With significant contributions from high-spending markets outside the EU and top rankings in prestigious global awards, Greece’s tourism sector is set for further success, proving its essential role in the nation’s economy and global tourism landscape.

Greece’s Tourism Surge: A Record-Breaking Year in 2025

Greece’s tourism industry has witnessed an impressive boom, with travel revenue soaring to €16.7 billion from January to August 2025, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The rise in revenue reflects the country’s consistent efforts to recover and thrive as a global tourism destination. Visitor numbers also saw a slight increase, with 24.9 million tourists arriving, up from 24.8 million last year. This indicates that Greece’s tourism sector is not just recovering but flourishing.

Key Tourism Stats and Growth

The majority of visitors to Greece still come from the European Union (EU), but the growth patterns reflect shifting trends within the region. While the overall number of EU travelers remained steady, there was notable growth from both Eurozone and non-Eurozone countries. The number of visitors from the Eurozone saw a 3.8% increase, while tourists from non-Eurozone EU nations surged by 6.9%.

The growth isn’t limited to air travel alone; land arrivals have also seen a significant boost. Air arrivals grew by 4.2%, while land border crossings increased by 4.8%. These statistics underline strong demand from both long-haul and regional travelers, showing that Greece remains an appealing destination for a wide range of tourists.

Tourism’s Economic Impact

Tourism is a cornerstone of Greece’s economy, contributing significantly to national income and employment. The Bank of Greece has highlighted that the country’s tourism industry is on track for another successful year, with revenues and visitor numbers continuing to rise steadily. This success is particularly noticeable in high-spending markets outside the EU, where Greece is attracting a growing number of affluent visitors.

Economists agree that tourism is one of the main drivers of Greece’s economic performance. The steady growth in tourism receipts is playing a key role in supporting the country’s recovery from past challenges. With such momentum, the country’s travel sector is expected to break even more records as 2025 unfolds.

Greece’s Global Recognition

Greece continues to impress on the global stage, securing top honors at the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Greek hotels and resorts, including Porto Zante Villas & Spa in Zakynthos and Sani Resort in Halkidiki, dominated the rankings for European destinations. Additionally, the island of Naxos emerged as Europe’s Best Island, with an outstanding score of 95.71. Athens, a blend of ancient history and modern culture, secured 12th place among Europe’s top cities, proving its appeal as a vibrant urban destination.

These accolades reflect Greece’s diverse appeal, from idyllic beach resorts to bustling cities brimming with cultural and historical significance. This recognition solidifies Greece’s position as one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe and worldwide.

Looking Ahead: Sustainability and New Regulations

Greece’s tourism success is not only about numbers but also about sustainability. As the country continues to thrive as a tourism powerhouse, there is a growing emphasis on maintaining this growth in an environmentally responsible way. Efforts to promote year-round travel, sustainability in tourism practices, and eco-friendly accommodations are key components of Greece’s strategy for long-term success.

At the same time, Europe is preparing for significant changes in travel regulations. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), scheduled for launch in late 2026, will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to apply online for pre-authorization before their trips. The Entry-Exit System (EES), which went live in October 2025, will replace the manual passport stamp process, tracking non-EU visitors crossing EU borders. These changes are designed to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures while also improving the monitoring of overstay risks.

Once visitors are inside the Schengen Zone, they will continue to benefit from the freedom to move across member states. However, these new travel regulations will require travelers to adjust their plans and consider additional steps before their arrival.

In 2025, Greece’s tourism revenue soared to €16.7 billion, reflecting a 12% increase and highlighting the country’s rising appeal with 24.9 million visitors. This growth cements Greece’s position as a global tourism powerhouse, driven by strong international demand and top global rankings.

Greece’s Future in Tourism

Greece’s exceptional performance in 2025 underscores the critical role tourism plays in its economy. With record-breaking visitor numbers and rising travel receipts, particularly from non-EU countries, Greece’s tourism industry remains an essential force in the national economy. The government’s focus on sustainability and the growing demand for year-round tourism will help the country maintain its momentum.

As Greece continues to expand its tourism offerings, embrace sustainability, and adapt to new travel regulations, it will solidify its status as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. The country’s ability to balance growth with environmental responsibility will be crucial to shaping its economic future for years to come.