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Greece Unites With Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Others in Skyrocketing Record Tourism Growth Across Europe For Nine Successive Months in 2025: Everything You Need To Know


Published on
October 14, 2025

In 2025, Greece unites with Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and others in experiencing skyrocketing record tourism growth across Europe for nine successive months. This surge is driven by factors such as the continent’s rich cultural heritage, improved infrastructure, and the enduring appeal of iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Eiffel Tower, and Sagrada Família. With both popular cities and hidden gems drawing visitors, Europe’s collective rise in tourism highlights the region’s growing global appeal, offering unforgettable experiences across its diverse destinations.

Greece’s Tourism Growth: A Steady Climb Towards Increased Global Appeal

Greece has seen a 0.6% increase in international arrivals in 2025, with a steady rise as the year progresses. Seasonal trends show that January and February contributed 7% and 6% of arrivals, respectively. March reached 8%, while April saw a significant jump to 14%, driven by Easter holidays. May marked a significant rise, reaching 25%, and June surged to 30%, signaling the full onset of the summer tourist season. Greece’s growing popularity is linked to its cultural significance, world-renowned festivals, and stunning beaches, especially in peak months. Efforts to improve tourism infrastructure, along with Greece’s rich historical sites and vibrant islands, continue to enhance its appeal to global visitors.

Greece City Guide

  • Athens: The ancient heart of Greece, home to the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Plaka district.
  • Santorini: Known for stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear waters, ideal for romantic getaways.
  • Mykonos: Famous for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and picturesque old town.
  • Crete: Greece’s largest island, offering Knossos ruins, beautiful beaches, and charming villages.
  • Thessaloniki: A cultural hub with Byzantine monuments, bustling markets, and the White Tower.

Resilient Tourism: Germany’s Steady Appeal Amidst Changing Trends

Germany’s tourism sector faced a slight decline in arrivals, with a 1.9% decrease year-to-date in 2025. Despite this, tourist receipts saw a modest 0.5% increase, reflecting higher spending from fewer visitors, indicating a shift toward high-value tourism. The seasonal distribution reveals the growing popularity of spring and summer months. While January through March accounted for 12%, 14%, and 14% of arrivals, April (18%), May (21%), and June (22%) saw higher tourist activity, boosted by events like Oktoberfest and cultural festivals. Germany’s iconic landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, and historic cities like Berlin and Heidelberg, remain major draws. Despite a dip in arrivals, Germany’s tourism remains resilient, with high spending from visitors ensuring its importance in the global tourism landscape.

Germany City Guide

  • Berlin: A mix of modern and historical landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall Memorial.
  • Munich: Known for Oktoberfest, Marienplatz, and Nymphenburg Palace.
  • Hamburg: Maritime city with Speicherstadt district and Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
  • Frankfurt: A financial hub with a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic sites like Römer square.
  • Stuttgart: Famous for its automotive museums, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Killesberg Park.

A Surge in Tourism: France Continues to Captivate the World

France has seen impressive growth in international tourism in 2025, with a 4.8% increase in tourist arrivals. This growth is mirrored by a 4.8% rise in tourist receipts, reflecting the country’s continuous dominance as a global travel destination. rance’s success is fueled by landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and the lavender fields of Provence. The country’s efficient infrastructure ensures France remains a year-round destination. January and February each accounted for 14% of arrivals, while April (25%) and May (29%) led the peak season. The distribution of tourist arrivals throughout the year highlights France’s ability to attract visitors during both peak and off-peak months, solidifying its status as a versatile destination.

France City Guide

  • Paris: Famous for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and chic cafes.
  • Lyon: Culinary capital with a medieval old town, Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and vibrant street life.
  • Marseille: A historic port city with rich maritime heritage, Notre-Dame de la Garde, and Calanques National Park.
  • Nice: Stunning coastline on the French Riviera, vibrant markets, and Old Town charm.
  • Toulouse: “The Pink City” known for the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Capitole de Toulouse, and rich aerospace history.

Belgium’s Tourism Surge: Steady Growth and Year-Round Appeal

Belgium has recorded a 3.5% year-to-date growth in international tourist arrivals in 2025, signaling a steady recovery. This steady rise reflects Belgium’s appeal, fueled by its cultural heritage, festivals, and historic landmarks. Belgium’s seasonal distribution shows 14% of arrivals in January, 16% in February, and 18% in March, marking the start of spring. The Brussels Spring Festival in April boosted arrivals to 26%, showcasing Belgium’s role as a hub for unique cultural experiences. Belgium continues to offer a rich mix of modernity and history, making it an attractive year-round destination.

Belgium City Guide

  • Brussels: The capital of Europe, home to Grand Place, Atomium, and the European Parliament.
  • Bruges: A medieval city with canals, cobblestone streets, and the Belfry of Bruges.
  • Antwerp: A fashion hub, home to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and vibrant shopping districts.
  • Ghent: A blend of medieval and modern, featuring Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
  • Leuven: A historic university city with Old Market Square and Old Leuven Library.

A Surge in Tourism: Spain Continues to Captivate the World

Spain’s tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in 2025, with 44.5 million international tourist arrivals, marking a 4.7% increase from the previous year. Additionally, tourism expenditure reached €59.6 billion, reflecting a 7.5% rise compared to 2024. Spain’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and iconic attractions continue to draw millions. Regions like Catalonia, Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands have benefitted most from the surge. Spain’s government efforts to improve tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable travel have played a crucial role in this growth. Tourism remains a vital contributor to Spain’s economy, directly impacting GDP and employment.

Spain City Guide

  • Bilbao: A cultural hub with the Guggenheim Museum and vibrant Basque cuisine.
  • Madrid: Spain’s vibrant capital, known for rich art scenes, Royal Palace, and Prado Museum.
  • Barcelona: Famous for Gaudí’s architecture, Sagrada Família, sunny beaches, and Las Ramblas.
  • Seville: Home to Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and flamenco traditions.
  • Valencia: Known for City of Arts and Sciences, stunning beaches, and paella.

Italy’s Timeless Allure: Rising Visitor Numbers and Economic Growth

Italy continues to captivate tourists worldwide, with a 4.8% increase in tourist arrivals in 2025. This surge is complemented by a 5.7% rise in tourist receipts, emphasizing the growing economic impact of tourism. Italy’s appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and iconic landmarks. The seasonal distribution reflects Italy’s broad appeal, with January and February each accounting for 14% of total arrivals. Spring months saw strong performances: March (18%), April (23%), and May (29%). Italy draws visitors with cultural offerings like Rome’s ancient history and Florence’s Renaissance art, alongside its scenic coastal regions, including the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany’s vineyards. Italy’s investments in tourism infrastructure, including improved transport and visitor services, are essential in sustaining growth. Focus on sustainable tourism ensures the country’s continued prominence on the global tourism map.

Italy City Guide

  • Rome: Ancient history meets modern life at the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Pantheon.
  • Milan: A fashion hub, home to The Last Supper and Milan Cathedral.
  • Florence: Renaissance heart with treasures at the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David.
  • Venice: Famous for its canals, St. Mark’s Square, and Rialto Bridge.
  • Naples: Known for its pizza, Pompeii ruins, and Mount Vesuvius.

Tourism Growth Across Europe: Steady Increases and Seasonal Peaks

  • Denmark has experienced a strong 6.6% growth in year-to-date tourism, with a steady increase in visitor numbers. The growth trajectory is evident, with arrivals in May reaching 30% and June data still pending.
  • Austria saw a 3.2% growth in tourism arrivals, with April and May showing significant increases, reaching 15% and 20%, respectively. The country’s rich cultural offerings continue to draw global visitors.
  • Portugal experienced a 2.6% growth, with arrivals growing consistently across the months, peaking at 23% in May and 22% in June, highlighting the country’s appeal for summer tourism.
  • The UK remained steady, with 0.0% growth, showing a stable but modest performance. April and May accounted for 19% and 21% of total arrivals, respectively, showing balanced year-round tourism activity.

Greece saw a 0.6% hike in international arrivals in 2025, joining Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and others in skyrocketing record tourism growth across Europe for nine successive months. This growth is fueled by improved infrastructure and global appeal.

Conclusion

The 0.6% increase in international arrivals in Greece in 2025, coupled with the record-breaking tourism growth seen across Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and other European countries, illustrates a remarkable and sustained upward trend in Europe’s tourism sector. This surge, which has been maintained for nine consecutive months, signifies the continent’s growing prominence on the global travel map. The reasons behind this growth are multifaceted. Europe’s rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and world-class infrastructure have drawn travelers from around the world, eager to experience its diverse offerings. The strategic efforts of these countries to improve their tourism infrastructure, combined with the allure of historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities, have made Europe an increasingly attractive destination. This steady growth not only boosts the economies of individual countries but also enhances Europe’s overall appeal as a prime travel destination, reinforcing its position as a global leader in tourism.