Greek tourism moved positively in the first four months of 2025, with a significant increase in international air arrivals, improved travel receipts in the first quarter, and continued strengthening of the potential of short-term rentals, according to data from the Statistical Bulletin (May) of INSETE Intelligence.
The key “given” from this year, as noted, is the no longer recording of road arrivals, as Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Zone “cuts off” this measurement. Given that 40–45% of total road arrivals were carried out from the border with Bulgaria, the relevant time series is interrupted altogether.
Detailed performance of Greek tourism in the first 4 months (first quarter for receipts):
6.5% increase in International Air Arrivals
According to official data, in the period January-April 2025, 3.2 million international air arrivals were recorded, marking an increase of 197 thousand or +6.5% compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
In April alone, arrivals amounted to 1.6 million passengers, an increase of 122 thousand or +8.4% compared to April 2024.
Performances were positive in most geographical areas:
- Crete: 347 thousand arrivals (+11.2%)
- Dodecanese: 217 thousand arrivals (+6.1%)
- Ionian Islands: 110 thousand arrivals (+0.6%)
- Peloponnese: 10 thousand arrivals (+7.9%)
On the contrary, a decline of -24.9% was recorded in the Cyclades, where arrivals were limited to 34 thousand passengers.
Travel Receipts: +4.4% in the 1st Quarter
Travel receipts amounted to 1,073 million euros in the period January-March 2025, an increase of +4.4% compared to the same period in 2024.
From EU countries: 520 million euros (+0.3%)
- Eurozone: 434 million euros (decrease -0.6%)
Outside the eurozone: 86 million euros (+5.1%)
Significant differences were noted by market:
- Germany: 114 million € (-16.3%)
- France: €32 million (-34.4%)
- Italy: €77 million (+33.5%)
- United Kingdom: €72 million (+17.8%)
- USA: €144 million (+4.5%)
Continued Rise in Short-Term Rentals
The first four months of 2025 maintained the positive momentum in the short-term rental sector, both in terms of the number of accommodations and the availability of beds.
In April:
- 228 thousand accommodations (+16 thousand or +7.5% compared to April 2024)
- 1,008 thousand available beds (+72 thousand or +7.7% compared to the 936 thousand of April last year)
It is noteworthy that the threshold of 1 million beds was already exceeded in April 2025, while last year this had only happened in July.
The composition of the audience further reinforces the internationalization of the sector: 86% of visitors to short-term rentals in April were foreigners, compared to just 14% domestic.
Conclusions
The start of 2025 is recorded as positive for Greek tourism, with increased arrivals and improved revenues, despite pressures from key European markets. At the same time, short-term rentals continue their growth path, supporting the decentralization and diversification of the tourism product. However, the cessation of recording road arrivals is a challenge for the completeness of future statistical assessments.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
