Home » TOURISM NEWS » Germany Emerges As A Key Tourism Market For Greece In 2025, Recording The Highest Growth In Visitor Spending And Underpinning The Country’s Strong Summer Travel Season
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Germany has emerged as a crucial force behind Greece’s tourism growth in the first half of 2025, with German travelers increasing their spending by nearly ten percent and helping propel national travel receipts upward by twelve point seven percent. Their strong contribution not only offset declines from other markets such as France but also reinforced Germany’s position as one of the most valuable source countries for Greek tourism. As international arrivals climbed by five point seven percent and short-term rental listings surged past two hundred forty thousand, Greece’s tourism industry showed robust, broad-based momentum—particularly in destinations like Crete, the Dodecanese, and the Ionian Islands—underscoring the sector’s continued resilience and Germany’s pivotal role within it.
Greece Sees Strong Tourism Surge in Early 2025 With Rising International Arrivals, Higher Revenues, and Expanding Rental Market
Greece’s tourism sector is off to a powerful start in 2025, with strong growth in international visitor numbers, rising travel revenues, and an expanding short-term rental market. Data released by the Institute of INSETE, affiliated with the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), confirms a 5.7% increase in international airport arrivals during the first half of the year. This impressive growth has reinforced Greece’s position as one of Europe’s most resilient and attractive destinations for global travelers.
Between January and June 2025, Greek airports welcomed more than half a million additional international passengers compared to the same period in 2024. These gains were spread across several key tourism zones, though performance varied by region. Meanwhile, travel receipts saw a double-digit rise of 12.7% through July, and the short-term accommodation sector maintained its upward momentum, signaling broad-based strength across the industry.
Record-Breaking June as Summer Season Peaks
June proved to be a particularly strong month for inbound tourism, with an estimated four million foreign arrivals recorded—representing a 5.4% year-on-year increase. The rise in arrivals was widely distributed but especially concentrated in Greece’s most iconic island destinations.
Crete stood out as the top performer, receiving 1.9 million international arrivals during the first half of 2025. This marked a 4.7% increase—roughly 86,000 more travelers—than in the same timeframe last year. The consistent appeal of Crete’s historic landmarks, beaches, and culinary tourism has helped the island maintain its leading role.
The Dodecanese, a region that includes popular islands such as Rhodes and Kos, recorded 1.5 million arrivals, up 1.3% compared to the previous year. This translated to an additional 19,000 foreign visitors. The Ionian Islands also posted solid growth, with 1.3 million arrivals—a 4.9% increase over 2024.
However, not all regions experienced the same momentum. The Cyclades, which includes Santorini and Mykonos, reported an 11.5% decline in arrivals—the only major tourism region to post a negative result. Factors contributing to the decline may include rising prices, overtourism concerns, or shifting tourist preferences toward less crowded alternatives.
Strong Growth in Tourism Revenue Driven by Higher Spending
The increase in international visitors was matched by a strong upswing in tourism-related income. Travel receipts between January and July 2025 surged by 12.7%, demonstrating that visitors are not only coming in greater numbers but also spending more during their stay.
This increase is attributed to stronger spending by both European Union citizens and travelers from non-EU countries. Receipts from EU nationals climbed by 10.9%, reaching €2.327 billion, reflecting higher per capita spending and longer stays. Travelers from third countries contributed even more dynamically, with a 15.1% increase in spending over the same period.
Among Greece’s key markets, Germany was a notable contributor to this rise, recording a 9.9% increase in travel-related expenditures. This highlights Germany’s enduring role as a key driver of tourism revenue for Greece. In contrast, travel receipts from France declined by 7.8%, possibly reflecting economic conditions in the source market or shifting vacation trends.
Short-Term Rentals Maintain Steady Growth Through Mid-Year
The short-term rental market in Greece also showed continued expansion throughout the first half of 2025, building on growth trends that began in 2023 and accelerated in 2024. Data shows that demand for non-hotel accommodation remains strong, with domestic and international travelers alike opting for the flexibility and unique experiences that short-term rentals can offer.
In April 2025, the number of active short-term rental listings across the country reached 228,000—an increase of 16,000 properties compared to April 2024’s total of 212,000. The momentum continued in May, when listings rose to 236,000, showing an annual growth of 18,000 units.
June saw another jump, with total listings hitting 242,000, representing an increase of 17,000 compared to 225,000 listings in June 2024. The steady month-over-month gains indicate both rising supply and sustained consumer demand for alternative lodging options. The strong performance of this sector highlights its growing role in the overall tourism offering in Greece and its contribution to the wider economy.
Outlook Positive Despite Regional Challenges
While most indicators point to continued momentum for Greek tourism, the disparity in regional performance—particularly the downturn in the Cyclades—suggests a need for localized strategic planning. The rise of more affordable or lesser-known destinations within Greece may reflect evolving traveler expectations for authentic, value-driven experiences away from the crowds.
At the same time, ongoing improvements in airport infrastructure, digital tourism services, and sustainability efforts are expected to support further growth. The convergence of increased spending, robust international demand, and a maturing accommodation ecosystem positions Greece well for a strong second half of the year.
Germany has solidified its position as a top contributor to Greece’s tourism economy in 2025, with nearly ten percent growth in visitor spending helping drive a broader surge in arrivals, revenues, and short-term rentals across the country.
As the 2025 peak travel season progresses, Greece appears well-poised to capitalize on these trends and further solidify its role as a premier global destination that combines natural beauty, rich heritage, and increasingly diverse tourism offerings.
