Cruise ships at Mykonos, Greece. Credit: Greek Reporter
Greek tourism continues its upward trajectory in 2025, building upon the successes of 2024 and affirming its continuous, vital contribution to the national economy.
Latest figures from the Bank of Greece show that tourism revenues for the eight months of 2025 amounted to €16.7 billion, up from €14.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2024. Arrivals of non-resident travelers increased by 4.1%, while related receipts soared by 12.0%.
According to Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, the data thus far indicates that 2025 is shaping up to be another positive year for Greek tourism. Travel receipts are rising, and inbound travel traffic across the country has increased compared to last year’s record-breaking performance.
At the same time, the ministry’s core strategy—extending tourist activity into the shoulder and winter months—is gaining significant traction.
Greek tourism: Key financial performance (Jan–Aug 2025)
Based on Bank of Greece data for January–August 2025:
Travel Balance: The travel balance showed a surplus of €14,340.6 million, compared to a surplus of €13,041.8 million in the corresponding period of 2024.
Travel Receipts: Receipts increased by €1,787.8 million (12.0%), reaching a total of €16,712.0 million.
Travel Payments: Payments also increased by €489.0 million (26.0%), totaling €2,371.4 million.
Growth Drivers: The rise in travel receipts stemmed from a 4.1% increase in inbound travel traffic and a 7.2% rise in the average expenditure per trip.
This positive trend in receipts was driven by increases from both EU-27 residents (up 9.4%, totaling €9,182.9 million) and residents of other countries (up 14.9%, totaling €6,707.5 million).
Overall inbound travel reached 25,920.7 thousand travelers, a 4.1% increase compared to 24,890.6 thousand travelers in 2024. Air traffic saw a 4.2% rise, while traffic through border road stations increased by 4.8%.
Related: Greece Revives Hotel-School Model Amid Surge in Tourism
Minister’s meeting with hoteliers
The strong data on revenues, arrivals, and overnight stays across the country were recently the focus of a meeting between Minister Kefalogianni and the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX).
The Minister noted that the growth in tourism revenue is a clear indicator of the Greek tourism sector’s resilience and dynamism, confirming its significant role in the national economy and employment. She stressed that the Ministry’s goal is to sustain this positive course, prioritizing quality, sustainability, and the dispersion of benefits across the entire country.
The POX board members highlighted that the increase in average visitor expenditure is significantly boosting revenues for both hotels and local communities. They also praised the Ministry of Tourism’s legislative initiative to regulate the framework for short-term property rentals, underscoring its positive contribution to the hospitality sector and addressing broader social issues, such as the housing crisis.
Strategic focus on mountain tourism
Special mention was made of efforts to strengthen mountain tourism. The Minister emphasized that, for the first time, mountain tourism is being strategically promoted.
This commitment is reflected in a series of legislative initiatives, projects funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and targeted promotional activities. The implementation of this strategy has already resulted in a substantial increase in revenues during the winter and shoulder months for both 2024 and 2025.
Related: Greece Invests in Diving Tourism, Exploring a New World
