Greece Travel Receipts Hit More than Twenty Billion Euros in the First Nine Months of this Year, Marking a Nine Percent Increase Over Last Year

Published on November 22, 2025

According to provisional data released by the Bank of Greece, Greece’s tourism sector generated 20.13 billion euros in travel receipts during the first nine months of 2025, up 9% compared to the same period last year. This increase indicates the continued strength of Greece’s tourism industry, as it continues to benefit from strong demand from key markets in Europe and beyond.

However, against the strong performance so far this year, revenue in September 2025 dropped 3.6%, indicating a surprise downturn in what has otherwise been a robust tourism season so far this year. Travel receipts reached 3.42 billion euros for the month against 3.55 billion euros during September 2024. Revenue declined even though inbound travel increased by 3.6%, indicating that spending per visitor had fallen sharply.

Key Factors Behind September’s Tourism Revenue Decline

The primary driver of the September decline in tourism receipts was a sharp contraction in per-visitor spending, which fell by 7.8%. This suggests that while the number of travelers remained strong, the average expenditure per trip was lower than in previous years. Several factors could explain this change in consumer behavior, including price sensitivity in the face of inflation, changing traveler preferences, or a shift toward more budget-conscious travel options.

While this marks a rare monthly dip in what has been a generally strong year for Greece’s tourism, the overall growth in travel receipts for the first three quarters remains a positive trend. The industry is closely monitoring this shift in spending as it prepares for the final quarter of the year and assesses the potential long-term effects of evolving consumer spending habits.

Positive Year-to-Date Performance: Key Markets Driving Growth

Despite the September decline, the January to September 2025 period remains positive for Greece’s tourism industry, driven by both higher spending per trip and an increase in inbound travel. Total tourism revenue for the year was bolstered by a 4.3% increase in average expenditure per trip and a 4% rise in inbound travelers.

Strong performance from key international markets was a significant factor in the overall growth. EU27 travelers generated 10.9 billion euros in revenue, marking a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year. Revenue from non-EU markets grew even more, with a 12.7% increase to 8.1 billion euros. This underscores the importance of diversifying tourism sources and reducing reliance on any single region or market.

Within the EU, travelers from eurozone countries contributed 8.4 billion euros, a 3.5% increase, while travelers from EU non-euro countries generated 2.56 billion euros, rising by 13.3%. These figures highlight the steady recovery of European travel to Greece post-pandemic.

Top Markets Contributing to Greece’s Tourism Revenue

Among Greece’s top individual markets, the United Kingdom and the United States stood out with substantial growth. Revenue from the UK increased by 11.9%, reaching 3 billion euros, while US visitors contributed an 11.7% increase, totaling 1.4 billion euros. Both countries have traditionally been strong sources of tourism to Greece, and their continued growth is a promising sign for the country’s tourism sector.

Italy also experienced solid growth in 2024, with a 6.9% increase in tourism receipts, further reinforcing the strong ties between Greece and neighboring European countries. However, Germany saw a slight decline of 0.8%, while receipts from Russia remained minimal at 22.6 million euros. These variations in performance from individual markets highlight the diverse and dynamic nature of the global tourism landscape, with some countries recovering more quickly than others.

Looking Ahead: Monitoring Tourism Behavior and Spending

While the September slowdown was a setback, the overall 2025 performance suggests that Greece’s tourism sector is on track for continued growth. The country’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and shifting consumer preferences will be key to maintaining momentum in the coming years.

Tourism officials have emphasized the importance of monitoring evolving consumer behavior, particularly in the context of rising costs and greater price sensitivity. The current situation highlights a broader global trend where travelers are becoming more conscious of their spending, with some choosing destinations where they can enjoy high-quality experiences at more affordable prices.

As Greece’s tourism industry enters the final months of 2025, the emphasis will be on ensuring that the destination remains competitive by offering a diverse range of travel options, from luxury vacations to affordable experiences for budget-conscious travelers. The ability to cater to these shifting preferences will be crucial for sustaining growth and ensuring that the Greek tourism sector continues to thrive.

Tourism’s Role in Greece’s Economic Recovery

The tourism industry continues to play a vital role in Greece’s economic recovery post-pandemic. In 2024, travel receipts reached 21.6 billion euros, and visitor numbers exceeded 40 million, including cruise passengers. This strong performance has had a significant impact on local economies, creating jobs and stimulating growth in hospitality, retail, and service sectors.

However, as global competition for tourism dollars intensifies, Greece must continue to invest in sustainable tourism development, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are spread across local communities and regions. Fostering tourism resilience through diversified offerings and tailored packages will allow Greece to continue capitalizing on the growing demand for international travel.

A Positive Outlook Despite Challenges

Even with the September slowdown, Greece’s tourism sector is on pace for another strong year in 2025, buoyed by increases in both tourism receipts and visitors. A decline in spending per visitor is one factor that will have to be closely watched as price sensitivity continues to drive traveler decisions.

In the long run, Greece’s tourism sector needs to accommodate the changing trends in consumer behavior through new approaches that will combine luxury with affordability but retain sustainability. Combining this with a robust infrastructure for domestic tourism, diversification in international markets, and further development of sustainable tourism practices would ensure that Greece remains one of the prime destinations for tourists from any part of the world. As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, Greece is well-positioned to navigate these changes and emerge even stronger.