New Report Unveils The Pros And Cons Of Tourism In Greece Amid 2025 Peak Season Challenges, Highlighting Crisis-Driven Sentiment Shifts

Published on November 24, 2025

Tourism in Greece is facing a mixed moment in 2025, and the new report makes that clear by explaining how booming visitor numbers are clashing with economic pressures, staffing shortages, and environmental stress. The findings show why public sentiment is shifting, with communities balancing the benefits of strong tourist spending against the strain that peak season challenges are placing on daily life.

The latest Key Sentiment Indexes report from the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE) sheds light on the positive and negative aspects of Greece’s tourism reputation during the 2025 peak season, highlighting the challenges and strengths of the country’s image in the eyes of global travelers.

An in-depth analysis of online conversations revealed that between July and September 2025, Greece’s reputation experienced a significant drop. This period, which marks the height of the tourism season, was overshadowed by crisis-driven media coverage, which severely impacted the country’s sentiment index. The coverage, centered on extreme weather events, political tensions, and other crises, led to a noticeable decline in how Greece was perceived online, particularly as a tourist destination.

While sentiment analysis is not always a direct predictor of travelers’ plans, the report emphasizes that a positive online reputation is a crucial factor in shaping perceptions of travel destinations. As travelers weigh their options, the sentiment surrounding a destination can play a vital role in influencing their decisions. A favorable reputation can enhance interest in a destination, while negative coverage can have the opposite effect, discouraging potential visitors.

Between July and September 2025, Greece was mentioned a total of 335,300 times in travel-related social media conversations. These mentions generated 8.5 million interactions, shared by 81,900 unique authors from over 200 countries. While this level of engagement is significant, the overall sentiment was far from positive. The online conversations about Greece during this period reflected a variety of opinions, with many discussions focusing on the crises that affected the country.

The country’s online reputation suffered considerably during this period of crisis. Extreme weather events, including devastating wildfires, storms, and flooding, dominated the discourse, causing Greece’s Net Sentiment Index to plummet to just 15. This placed the country at the bottom of the rankings when compared to other benchmarked destinations. The country’s reputation was further strained by rising political tensions, which added another layer of concern for potential travelers.

The wildfires, which raged across multiple regions, were the most significant factor in the negative sentiment. These fires, which occurred during the peak summer months, forced widespread evacuations and tragically led to loss of life. The intense heat, reaching 44°C in some areas, contributed to the severity of the fires, and foreign governments issued warnings to travelers regarding the ongoing risk. Beyond the fires, the country also faced other weather-related challenges. In early August, strong winds and storms disrupted ferry services to some of Greece’s most popular islands, including Mykonos and Paros, leaving thousands of tourists stranded and causing the tragic deaths of two tourists. In addition to the storms, heavy flooding in regions like Zakynthos and Kefalonia caused significant travel disruptions. These weather events compounded the already difficult situation for travelers, who faced delays, cancellations, and heightened safety concerns.

The extreme heat during this period also led to the temporary closure of major cultural sites, including the Acropolis, one of Greece’s most iconic landmarks. On several days, tourists were unable to visit the site due to the oppressive temperatures, which only added to the frustrations of travelers and further impacted the country’s online reputation.

Despite these challenges, Greece’s cultural heritage emerged as the country’s strongest asset. The report from INSETE notes that Greece’s cultural narrative continued to capture the highest share of positive attention during this tumultuous period. Online stories celebrating the country’s rich history, landmarks, and authentic local identity remained central to its reputation. Greece’s deep cultural significance, with its centuries-old monuments, archaeological sites, and vibrant traditions, continued to resonate with travelers looking for meaning and atmosphere in their holiday destinations.

In particular, Greece’s hospitality sector also retained a significant amount of positive sentiment. The country’s long-standing reputation for warm hospitality, welcoming locals, and a rich food culture remained a key selling point for travelers. The country’s strong position in the hospitality sector helped mitigate the damage to its reputation caused by the crises.

While the country faced significant challenges in the peak season of 2025, Greece still captivated travelers with its unique blend of coastal beauty and cultural richness. The islands, with their pristine beaches and tranquil charm, continued to be highly celebrated in online discussions. Destinations such as the Acropolis, Meteora’s monasteries, the beaches of Kefalonia, and the island of Astypalaia were mentioned frequently, along with the immersive experiences they offer to tourists. Visitors are drawn to Greece not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its deeply rooted cultural experiences, such as hiking through rugged terrains, exploring ancient ruins, and engaging with local communities.

Experiences such as olive picking in the Peloponnese, hiking in Crete’s scenic gorges, and watching sea turtles in Zakynthos continued to appeal to travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures. These types of experiences remain central to Greece’s appeal, as they offer travelers a deeper connection to the local culture and environment. Volunteering with local animals or participating in community-driven activities further reinforced the country’s appeal as a destination for travelers looking for meaningful interactions.

Athens, with its blend of ancient history and vibrant modern life, also maintained a strong presence in the online narrative. Across the islands, Santorini continued to be a standout destination, with its luxury offerings, such as infinity pools and high-end resorts, frequently mentioned in online discussions.

A new report reveals that while tourism continues to boost Greece’s economy in 2025, peak-season strains like overcrowding, rising costs, and workforce shortages are reshaping how locals feel about the industry. These mounting pressures explain the shift in public sentiment, highlighting both the benefits and burdens of the country’s busiest travel year.

while Greece faced significant challenges in 2025 due to crises that impacted its reputation, the country’s cultural heritage, hospitality, and natural beauty remained its most compelling attributes. Despite the negative sentiment caused by the extreme weather events and political tensions, Greece’s appeal as a destination for travelers seeking authenticity, culture, and natural beauty remained strong. As the country recovers from these setbacks, its ability to balance modern tourism with a deep sense of history and tradition will continue to be key in shaping its reputation moving forward.