Published on
October 29, 2025
US unites with Italy, UK, Germany, France, and additional countries in propelling Greece tourism to new heights, with record-breaking increases through the first eight months of 2025. This remarkable surge in tourism is driven by a combination of rising visitor numbers and increased spending per trip, particularly from non-EU markets, with the United States leading the charge. As Greece welcomed nearly 26 million visitors in this period, the country’s tourism revenue skyrocketed to €16.7 billion, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year. Key markets like the US, UK, Germany, and France played pivotal roles in boosting Greece’s appeal, making 2025 one of the best years for its tourism sector.
Greece, the enchanting Mediterranean destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is experiencing a remarkable boom in tourism in 2025. The first eight months of the year have seen an impressive surge in arrivals, significantly outpacing expectations. The country has attracted nearly 26 million visitors, marking a 4.1% increase from the same period in 2024, according to the latest data from the Bank of Greece. The key to this growth lies in the rising influx of tourists from both European Union (EU) and non-EU markets, but it is the United States, along with countries like Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, that have contributed immensely to this record-breaking tourism season.
A Record-Breaking Year for Greece’s Tourism Sector
Tourism has long been a vital economic engine for Greece, and 2025 is proving to be a banner year. The surplus from travel services has reached €4.15 billion as of August, up from €3.83 billion in the same period last year. This growth is largely driven by an increase in travel receipts, which jumped 10.5% to €4.52 billion. The rise in visitor numbers has been accompanied by higher spending per trip, showcasing the robust appeal of Greece as a prime tourist destination.
According to the Bank of Greece, tourism’s significance to the nation’s economy cannot be overstated. The sector’s net travel revenue has played a pivotal role in offsetting Greece’s goods deficit, covering 188% of it in August alone. Furthermore, tourism receipts accounted for nearly 94% of Greece’s total net service receipts, solidifying the sector’s dominance in the country’s economic landscape.
Over the first eight months of 2025, Greece’s travel receipts totaled €16.71 billion, a 12% increase from the same period in 2024. In this period, the country experienced a 4.1% growth in inbound traffic, accompanied by a 7.2% rise in average spending per visitor. This boost in both volume and spending is a testament to Greece’s growing popularity among international tourists.
The Role of Non-EU Markets in Greece’s Tourism Surge
A significant driver of this growth has been the impressive performance from non-EU markets. In August alone, revenue from non-EU visitors surged by 30.5%, reaching €1.86 billion. While the EU remains a critical source of visitors for Greece, it is clear that non-EU markets, particularly the United States, are making an even more substantial contribution to the country’s tourism boom.
The US, in particular, has emerged as a major player in driving this surge. Between January and August 2025, US travelers spent more than any other nationality on average, with €1,080 per trip. This spending, coupled with a 20.6% year-on-year increase in travel receipts from the US, has significantly boosted Greece’s tourism revenue. The country’s growing popularity among American tourists is a clear indication that Greece is increasingly seen as a top destination for travelers from the US, driven by its historical significance, picturesque landscapes, and world-renowned hospitality.
EU Travelers Contribute Despite Challenges
While non-EU markets have shown impressive growth, EU travelers still remain a cornerstone of Greece’s tourism sector. However, there have been mixed results from within the EU. For instance, Greece’s receipts from EU travelers fell by 2% in August, with spending from eurozone visitors particularly weak. Countries like Germany, France, and Italy have seen notable declines in visitor spending, yet these markets remain essential sources of tourists.
Germany, Greece’s largest source of EU visitors, saw a decline in receipts by 16.5%, with spending dropping significantly. Despite this, Germany’s tourism performance still contributed to an overall increase in arrivals, with 3.89 million German visitors recorded between January and August, marking a 7.8% increase from the previous year. This demonstrates that while the revenue from individual travelers may have decreased, the volume of visitors from Germany remains significant.
The United Kingdom, on the other hand, delivered a significant boost to Greece’s tourism numbers. UK visitor receipts surged by 40% in August, totaling €848.7 million. This growth helped to offset the weaknesses seen in other EU markets, as the UK remains a crucial source of both tourism revenue and arrivals for Greece.
Inbound Arrivals: A Mixed Picture
Greece welcomed 7.47 million inbound travelers in August 2025, marking an 8.1% increase from the previous year. The country’s airports saw a 2.7% rise in air arrivals, while road arrivals saw a notable jump of 22.7%. This spike in road traffic highlights the appeal of Greece’s coastal and rural regions, which continue to attract visitors beyond the typical airport hubs.
Within the EU, Germany led the growth in arrivals, with 1.08 million visitors in August, a 7.2% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Other key EU markets, such as France and Italy, showed more modest gains, with France seeing a slight decline in arrivals. Meanwhile, the UK market shone with a 12.4% increase in inbound traffic.
In contrast, the United States experienced a sharp decline in August, with US arrivals dropping by 23.5%, despite the fact that US spending remained relatively stable. This dip could be attributed to various factors, including changes in travel preferences and shifting global economic conditions that might have influenced travelers’ decisions.
Growth in Non-EU Markets
Non-EU visitors have become increasingly important to Greece’s tourism sector, and this trend is reflected in the impressive 10.4% increase in arrivals from non-EU countries in the first eight months of 2025. Greece has managed to tap into emerging markets outside the EU, drawing a wider array of international travelers. These markets, which include the United States, Russia, and several Asian countries, are contributing to a more diversified tourism base.
The U.S. market, in particular, stands out as one of the strongest performers, both in terms of arrivals and spending. With a 6.1% increase in arrivals, the US is cementing its position as one of the top contributors to Greece’s tourism growth. Russia, while still a smaller market, also showed positive trends with a slight increase in visitor numbers.
CountryAugust Arrivals (millions)Growth in August (%)YTD Arrivals (millions)Growth in YTD (%)Germany1.087.23.897.8United Kingdom3.2812.43.288.7United States1.08-23.51.086.1Italy1.582.11.581.4France1.42-6.31.425.5Other EU15.294.515.293.8Non-EU Total10.6410.410.6410.4
Looking Ahead: Greece’s Tourism Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
As Greece continues to thrive as a tourism hub in 2025, it’s evident that the country’s ability to attract diverse markets is key to its ongoing success. The US’s strong performance, along with the recovery of markets such as the UK, combined with the steady influx from traditional EU countries like Germany, will ensure that Greece remains a global leader in the tourism industry.
With Greece’s tourism revenue expected to continue rising through the remainder of the year, it is clear that the country is on track to surpass previous records. The diversification of its visitor base and the increasing average spend per traveler indicate a healthy, robust future for the Greek tourism sector.
US joins Italy, UK, Germany, France, and other key markets in fueling Greece’s tourism growth to unprecedented levels. These countries have not only contributed to the rise in visitor numbers but have also played a pivotal role in increasing the average spending per trip, ensuring Greece remains one of the top destinations for global travelers in 2025. As we move into the latter part of the year, Greece’s tourism sector shows no signs of slowing down, with even greater success expected as new markets are tapped and current ones continue to thrive.
US unites with Italy, UK, Germany, France, and additional countries in propelling Greece’s tourism to new heights, with record-breaking increases through the first eight months of 2025. This growth is driven by a surge in visitor numbers and higher spending, particularly from the US and other non-EU markets.
This dynamic growth in Greece’s tourism industry underscores its continued status as a premier travel destination, where culture, history, and natural beauty seamlessly blend to provide an unparalleled experience for millions of visitors.
