Tourists from Germany take the top spot in Greece for vacationers this year.
Greece Witnesses Record Tourist Arrivals as Germans Lead as Preferred Visitors
Athens, Greece - Greece welcomed a record-breaking 36 million tourists in 2024, with German tourists making up the largest and most crucial demographic, even surpassing British travelers. This positive trend is expected to continue in 2025, according to the Greek Tourism Association (SETE) and its research institute, INSETE.
Germany accounts for approximately 5.7 million tourists visiting Greece last year, marking a nearly 13% increase compared to 2023. This continuous growth is promising for the Greek tourism sector, which is one of the country's main economic pillars, accounting for almost 30% of Greece's gross domestic product (GDP) when indirect effects such as supply companies and supporting services are considered.
British tourists come in second place, with 4.7 million guests, while Bulgarian travelers follow in third place with around 3 million visitors. Notably, the northern Aegean Sea region, including islands like Lesbos, Chios, and Samos, experienced a 40% increase in tourists compared to the previous year.
Overall, tourists from around the world generated over 230 million overnight stays and more than 20 billion euros in revenue. The average length of stay was six nights, with tourists spending around 523 euros during their visit. However, there are significant regional differences in tourism costs within Greece, with the popular vacation island of Crete costing an average of around 770 euros per visit in 2024. By contrast, visitors to the region of Epirus in the northwest of the country only needed to budget 192 euros.
While global geopolitical and economic uncertainties persist, the Greek tourism sector is showing resilience, with indications of continuing strong growth in 2025. Increased air arrivals (+10% in the first four months of 2025) and rising hotel bookings support this optimistic outlook. Consumer confidence in key European markets such as Germany is relatively low, but the sector maintains its position as an attractive destination for diverse tourist demographics, contributing to a trend toward diversification in tourist destinations and pricing strategies across Greece.
Tourists from Germany contributed significantly to Greece's record-breaking 36 million tourist arrivals in 2024, with their lifestyle and travel choices making Greece a preferred destination. This trend, accompanied by a nearly 13% increase in German visitors compared to the previous year, indicates a promising future for Greece's tourism-centered lifestyle and economy in 2025.
