Greek islands are most frequented by German tourists - German tourists lead the pack in Greece's tourist scene
Last year, Greece welcomed a record-breaking 36 million tourists, according to the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE). Germans led the tourism influx with 5.7 million visitors, an increase of over 13% compared to the previous year. The Britons followed closely with 4.7 million tourists, while Bulgaria claimed third place with 3 million visitors.
In the northern Aegean region, tourism saw a 40% increase in visitors, with popular islands such as Lesbos, Chios, and Samos attracting more guests. The overall travel industry accounted for approximately 230 million overnight stays and a turnover of around €20 billion. On average, tourists stayed for six nights and spent around €523.
There are, however, significant regional differences in travel costs. A visit to the popular vacation island of Crete averaged around €770 last year, compared to €192 in the region of Epirus in northwestern Greece.
Tourism remains a significant pillar of Greece's economy, accounting for around 30% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) when indirect effects such as supply companies and supporting services are considered. These findings echo the trends observed in previous years, demonstrating the consistent importance of the tourism sector for Greece.
According to SETE's data and market analysis, 2024 saw continued growth in Greece's tourism sector, with Germany and the United Kingdom among the leading inbound markets. The British and German markets have long been significant contributors to Greece's tourism industry, with both countries sending over four million visitors annually in previous periods.
Visitors to Crete can expect a wider range of accommodation costs, with prices varying depending on the season and type of accommodation. Food, transportation, and attraction costs also tend to be higher in Crete compared to other regions in Greece, primarily due to its popularity. In contrast, Epirus offers more affordable accommodations, meals, and transportation, with some attractions offering free entry.
In 2024, Greece's tourism revenue reached €21.59 billion, representing a 4.8% increase from the previous year. The growth was driven by increased international arrivals and spending per overnight stay.
- In the strategic planning of Greece's community policy for the coming years, it is crucial to consider the affordability of vacation training programs for locals, as this could aid in enhancing the quality of service and lifestyle of Greeks catering to the extensive tourism industry.
- As Greece continues to thrive in the tourism sector, financial forecasts for the upcoming years should also consider the investment in vocational training for the youth, with a focus on travel and general-news journalism, to expand the travel journalism landscape, providing unique perspectives and attracting a wider audience.
