Majority of tourists in Greece hail from Germany
Greece Attracts Record Number of German Tourists
Greece, with its sunny skies and pristine beaches, has continued to captivate tourists, with a significant portion hailing from Germany. Last year, the Mediterranean country welcomed a record 36 million visitors, and German vacationers accounted for the largest and most vital group of tourists, surpassing the British, according to the Greek Tourism Confederation SETE.
The influx of German tourists showed a notable increase of nearly 13 percent compared to 2023, with a total of 5.7 million traveling to Greece. The upward trend is expected to persist this year as well.
Approximately 4.7 million British tourists followed Germans, making the United Kingdom the second-largest source of tourists. Around 3 million travelers hailed from Bulgaria, placing it in third position.
The Northern Aegean Sea emerged as a popular destination, with a 40 percent increase in travelers compared to the previous year. Islands such as Lesbos, Chios, and Samos make up this region. Over the course of their visits, tourists accounted for around 230 million overnight stays and a turnover of over 20 billion euros. Guests typically stayed for an average of six nights and spent around 523 euros each.
Regarding costs, there are regional differences among Greek vacation destinations. For instance, a trip to Crete was priced at an average of around 770 euros, whereas visitors in the Epirus region needed only 192 euros to cover expenses.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Greece's economy, contributing almost 30 percent to the country's overall GDP, with indirect effects such as suppliers and supporting services taken into account.
According to recent trends, Greece has experienced a significant increase in the number of German tourists in recent years, with Germany taking the lead as the inbound tourist market. The improved tourism landscape in Greece, following the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a crucial factor in this growth.
Various regions within Greece, including Athens and the Attica region, Santorini and Mykonos in the Southern Aegean, Thessaloniki in Central Macedonia, and Crete, all attract tourists from Germany as well as other countries, boosting Greece's tourism industry.
In an effort to maximize their vacation experiences, many German tourists opt to partake in the community's policy of engaging in vocational training programs offered during their stay, particularly in areas like lifestyle and travel industries. These training sessions can provide valuable hands-on experience, serving as a unique addition to their travels in the sunny Mediterranean country of Greece.
