Home » TOURISM NEWS » Greece Achieves Record Tourism Revenues in this Year with Strong Visitor Spending from Germany and the U.S.

Published on
September 23, 2025

Greece’s tourism industry is seeing an incredible boom in 2025, with official statistics indicating record revenues from foreign tourism in July and the first seven months of the year. The tourism sector of the country is still growing at a robust rate, with a significant spike in the number of tourists and average per capita spending, especially from priority markets such as Germany and the United States. These improvements mirror Greece’s popularity as a leading Mediterranean destination with both cultural depth and natural surroundings and with excellent travel links.

Record-Breaking Revenues Reflect a Thriving Tourism Sector

According to data from the Bank of Greece, the total travel receipts for the first seven months of 2025 amounted to a staggering €12.182 billion, with 18.454 million foreign visitors traveling to Greece during this period. The average expenditure per trip has seen a sharp increase, with July witnessing a 7.2% rise to €631.7 per person, and the overall seven-month expenditure per trip increasing by 9.1% to €626. This increase in spending reflects both the growing affluence of tourists and Greece’s ability to attract high-value travelers.

These record revenues indicate that Greece is benefiting from a strong demand for tourism despite a modest 2.6% increase in arrivals, suggesting that tourists are willing to spend more when visiting the country. The boost in per capita expenditure underscores Greece’s growing reputation as a destination for both luxury and leisure tourism.

German Tourists Drive the Majority of Spending

One of the key drivers behind the growth in tourism spending is the surge in German visitors. In July, German tourists spent a significant €664.4 million, representing a 23.6% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Over the first seven months, Germany led the way with total travel receipts of €2.03 billion, up 16.6% from the previous year. Germany’s increased contribution highlights the growing interest in Greek tourism from one of Europe’s largest travel markets.

Germany’s share of the tourism market is particularly important because German travelers tend to stay longer and spend more, thus contributing significantly to the country’s tourism revenue. In total, 2.812 million German visitors arrived in Greece during the first seven months of 2025, marking an 8% increase in numbers. This rise is indicative of Germany’s strong relationship with Greece, driven by the country’s established cultural ties, easy accessibility, and diverse offerings.

British Visitors Show Declining Spend Despite Stable Numbers

While British tourists remain one of the top sources of travel income for Greece, the recent figures suggest a decline in spending despite stable visitor numbers. In July, travel receipts from the UK amounted to €549.9 million, a year-on-year decrease of 18.2%. For the period from January to July, the total receipts from the UK amounted to €1.631 billion, a slight drop of 2.9% from the previous year. This decline can be attributed to economic factors and changing travel trends, with British tourists becoming more cautious with their spending.

However, despite the decrease in spending, the number of British visitors remains strong, with 2.299 million British tourists arriving in Greece during the first seven months of the year, showing a modest increase of 1.5%. This trend suggests that Greece remains a popular destination for British travelers, even though the spending per visitor has slightly decreased.

Americans Flock to Greece with Increased Spending

Another standout market in 2025 is the United States, with American visitors showing a strong increase in both numbers and spending. In July, 209,700 American tourists visited Greece, and they spent 15.1% more than the previous year. By the end of July, total receipts from the United States amounted to €954 million, reflecting a 25.3% growth compared to the same period in 2024.

The growth in American visitors demonstrates the increased appeal of Greece as a long-haul destination. Direct flights between Greece and the US have facilitated this growth, making it easier for American tourists to visit Greece’s historical sites, idyllic islands, and cosmopolitan cities. The increase in spending among American tourists further underscores the rising affluence of travelers from the United States and their desire for a more luxurious, immersive travel experience in Greece.

Greek Tourism Spending Abroad Also on the Rise

In addition to inbound tourism, Greek residents are also spending more on international travel. In July, Greeks spent €344 million on trips abroad, marking a 26% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Between January and July, the total expenditure by Greeks on international travel amounted to €2.01 billion, up 47.6% from the same period last year. This increase suggests that Greeks are increasingly looking to explore foreign destinations, despite Greece’s growing status as a global tourism hub.

This trend reflects the broader travel behavior of Greeks, with many seeking new experiences abroad. The increasing spending on international travel highlights the competitive nature of global tourism and the need for Greece to continue improving its tourism offerings to maintain its domestic market.

The Impact of Record Tourism Revenues on the Greek Economy

The record-breaking tourism revenues in 2025 are a testament to Greece’s status as a leading European destination. The growth in tourism receipts and spending underscores the importance of tourism as a key pillar of the Greek economy, with the sector playing a vital role in job creation, business growth, and economic diversification. The increase in spending, particularly from high-value markets like Germany and the United States, indicates that Greece continues to be an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Moreover, the continued growth in tourism provides ample opportunities for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, to tap into this expanding market. As Greece looks to the future, the key to sustaining this growth will be investing in sustainable tourism practices, diversifying its tourism offerings, and maintaining a focus on providing high-quality experiences for travelers from around the world.

Greece’s Tourism Industry Poised for Continued Growth

The remarkable tourism revenue growth in 2025 portends a promising future for the Greek tourism industry. With growing expenditure by key source markets such as Germany, the United States, and the UK, Greece is positioning itself as a leading destination in Europe. The growing accessibility of the country’s rich tourism products is fueling high demand for Greek tourism, guaranteeing the sustained performance of the industry in the future.