“Santorini is returning to normalcy. It remains a safe and hospitable destination, and through effective management, we are moving forward into another dynamic tourism season,” she said during the event held at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
German tourists led the pack in numbers, flocking to Greece’s sunlit shores and historic sites. American visitors proved the biggest spenders, pouring €40.9 million into the economy—€5.4 million more than their German counterparts. The strong showing from these key markets underscores Greece’s enduring appeal as a top global destination.
The decision came after a meeting of the Interministerial Committee for Strategic Investments, led by Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos. The meeting also included Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, State Minister Makis Voridis, and Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis.
They concern the development of high-end tourism by Hydra Rock in Ermionida, GH Hotel in Evia and Astakos Terminal in Aitoloakarnania - They will receive the incentives of fast-track licensing and Special Spatial Development Plans for Strategic Investments
Inbound travelers to Greece boosted tourism-related revenues to 21.27 billion euros in the Jan.-Nov. 2024 period.
Kefalogianni highlighted the robust growth of the Greek tourism industry and its critical contribution to the Greek economy and said the data reflected the sector’s strong dynamic.
With its stunning beaches and spectacular mountain scenery, the island has escaped the clutches of mass tourism, says Today Magazine
Tourism experts attribute this decline in revenues to several factors, including, first of all, the fact that tourists spend less on non-hotel-related expenses as noted by restaurant owners in tourist areas.
Greece is on track to become a leading luxury travel destination, thanks to its rich natural and cultural heritage, according to Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.
Mitsotakis said his priority is “boosting revenue” and “breaking revenue records” and is focused on “tourism’s overall impact on the country’s development.”
In January - July 2024, the current account deficit increased by 1.3 billion euros year-on-year and stood at 8.6 billion euros according to Bank of Greece.
Lefkada with its stunning beaches, Alonissos with its untouched natural environment, and hospitable Karpathos with its dramatic landscape variations are the top three on the list
Higher tourist arrivals helped drive up Greece's services balance surplus in the first seven months of 2024, according to figures for the balance of payments in January-July 2024 released by the Bank of Greece on Friday.
In an impressive turn of events for Greece’s tourism sector in 2024, international air arrivals reached unprecedented levels, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
However, long-term resident and tour operator Gianluca Chimenti has dismissed the notion of overtourism, arguing that the island is currently experiencing its worst season ever. He claims hotel occupancy rates are below 30 percent and that social media images misrepresent the situation.
Santorini Hoteliers Association President Antonis Pagonis told British media that, "we, as hoteliers of a welcoming island, say yes to any form of tourist activity, but obviously with limits."
Demand for the Greek summer is up 17% this year, and the average price in Greece is 253 euros, the fourth most expensive pan-European average.
