Greece Unveils its Long-Term Tourism Strategy for 2030-2035 with a New Focus on Sustainability and Global Competitiveness

Published on November 27, 2025

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday that a White Paper to be published in 2026 will present a comprehensive tourism strategy of Greece for the period 2030-2035. This new long-term framework will set the stage for how Greece will develop its tourism industry in the coming years, as interest and travel abroad continues to grow worldwide and competition between the top global destinations also stiffens. The Prime Minister highlighted that having a structured, forward-looking tourism policy will be necessary to fully meet changing global travelers’ needs and ensure sustainable growth for the industry.

During the event “Tourism is Changing – Greece Leads”, which took place at the Acropolis Museum, Mitsotakis underlined that Greek tourism performances have exceeded expectations in 2025 so far, with a growth in arrivals of 4% and an increase in revenues of 9%, compared to the respective period a year ago. He stated that this impressive performance was a joint effort of the Greek government and the private tourism sector and underlined once again the need for synergy if long-term growth is to be achieved.

Tourism’s Economic Impact: Growing Contribution to Greece’s Economy

The 12% increase in tourist arrivals in recent years has already had a significant economic impact on Greece’s economy, contributing to job creation, increased spending in local businesses, and stronger economic activity in key regions. Tourism remains one of Greece’s largest economic sectors, providing a substantial share of national revenue and supporting thousands of jobs in the hospitality, transportation, and retail industries.

The new long-term tourism strategy will aim to sustain and amplify this economic impact, ensuring that tourism growth benefits not just well-established destinations like Athens and Santorini, but also lesser-known regions of the country. By expanding tourism to underexplored areas, Greece seeks to boost regional economies, reduce overcrowding in popular destinations, and create inclusive economic opportunities for local communities.

Strategic Tourism Policy: Tackling Overtourism and Enhancing Visitor Experience

The Prime Minister stressed that the tourism sector now requires a more structured and sustainable approach as global competition intensifies and tourism trends rapidly evolve. The forthcoming White Paper will outline specific targets and strategies for extending the tourist season, attracting higher-value investments, and fostering more sustainable tourism initiatives that highlight Greece’s cultural wealth and natural beauty.

The government’s emphasis on sustainability aligns with Greece’s long-term tourism vision, focusing on measures to prevent overtourism while enhancing the visitor experience across the country. A central focus will be on spreading tourism demand across more months of the year and promoting lesser-known destinations in addition to popular spots like Santorini and Mykonos.

The tourism impact of managing overtourism is crucial. By reducing visitor pressure in high-demand areas, the strategy will protect natural and cultural sites, ensuring that Greece’s heritage remains intact for future generations. Additionally, this approach will improve the tourist experience, providing more opportunities for visitors to explore the true essence of Greece beyond its iconic landmarks.

EU’s Unified Tourism Strategy to Align with Greece’s Goals

During the event, European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas announced that the European Commission will present the first-ever EU-wide tourism strategy in April 2026. This strategy will focus on three main priorities: strengthening competitiveness, supporting local communities and destination management, and promoting Europe’s cultural and natural assets.

Sustainability will be a central element of this strategy, with plans to launch initiatives such as the European Tourism Academy, a new EU-wide sustainability label, and the creation of a data center to provide accurate, up-to-date tourism statistics to support policy development and investment decisions. These measures will align with Greece’s tourism strategy and provide a strong foundation for sustainable tourism across Europe.

Strengthening Greece’s Tourism Brand: A Commitment to Sustainable Growth

The White Paper for 2030-2035, once finalized, will provide clear direction and actionable plans to guide Greece’s tourism policy in the coming decade. As the country’s tourism sector evolves, the focus on sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovative tourism practices will play a critical role in ensuring that Greece not only remains competitive in the global market but also becomes a leader in sustainable tourism.

The tourism impact of this long-term strategy is far-reaching. As tourist arrivals continue to increase, the strategy ensures that Greece’s tourism growth is carefully managed, promoting both economic resilience and environmental protection. With clear regulations, targeted marketing, and an emphasis on sustainable practices, Greece is poised to lead the way in promoting responsible travel while offering exceptional experiences for visitors.

Tourism’s Role in Supporting Local Communities and Economic Development

The success of the new tourism framework will have a profound economic impact on local communities across Greece, creating new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, the strategy aims to preserve Greece’s natural assets while providing economic benefits to areas that are often left out of mainstream tourism.

The development of alternative destinations outside the most visited spots will help ease the pressure on popular sites while ensuring that tourism benefits are spread across the country. This inclusive tourism model will contribute to balanced economic development, empowering local communities, and creating long-term job opportunities in the tourism sector.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Tourism Growth and Long-Term Economic Impact

Looking ahead, Greece’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth under the guidance of the White Paper for 2030-2035. The long-term strategy will help ensure sustainable tourism by focusing on preserving Greece’s unique natural and cultural heritage, while expanding the country’s tourism offerings to include new destinations and diverse tourism segments.

The tourism impact will be felt both locally and nationally, with regional economies benefiting from the expanded tourism offerings and job creation in sectors related to hospitality, tourism services, and sustainable tourism management. Greece’s tourism future will be shaped by its ability to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, creating a tourism model that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

A Resilient and Sustainable Tourism Future for Greece

The White Paper for 2026-2035 will set the foundations for long-term tourism growth in Greece, where the sector will continue to prosper by bearing a strong commitment to sustainability. This strategy will not only enable Greece to secure its leading position as a preferred global destination but will also establish a more resistant and inclusive tourism economy that assures long-term benefits both at the local community and environmental levels. Greek tourism has bright prospects ahead, with innovative, sustainable growth to promote cultural preservation and economic development.