What's Happening?
The Greek tourism sector has shown resilience in 2025 despite facing natural and economic challenges. According to GBR Consulting, international arrivals increased by 4.1% year-to-date as of August 2025 compared to the previous year. The growth was particularly
strong during the peak season, with July and August seeing increases of 6.4% and 8.1%, respectively. This growth occurred despite setbacks such as earthquakes in Santorini and severe heatwaves and wildfires in June and July, which led to temporary site closures. The report highlights that international arrivals at Greek airports rose by 5.6% year-to-date in September 2025, with Thessaloniki and Athens airports showing significant growth. However, Santorini experienced a 12.8% decline in arrivals due to seismic activity earlier in the year.
Why It's Important?
The growth in Greek tourism is significant as it reflects the sector's ability to recover and adapt to adverse conditions. The increase in international arrivals suggests a sustained demand for Greek destinations, which is crucial for the country's economy, heavily reliant on tourism. The challenges faced, such as natural disasters and geopolitical tensions, underscore the importance of resilience and adaptability in the tourism industry. The decline in Santorini's arrivals highlights the vulnerability of popular tourist destinations to natural events, which can have substantial economic impacts. The overall positive trend in tourism arrivals is a promising sign for the Greek economy, potentially leading to increased revenue and job creation in the sector.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, the Greek tourism industry may continue to focus on diversifying its markets and enhancing its infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of natural and geopolitical challenges. The sector might also explore strategies to attract tourists during off-peak seasons to balance the fluctuations in visitor numbers. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and preparedness for natural events will be crucial to ensure the safety and satisfaction of tourists, which in turn can sustain the growth momentum.
