The first half of 2024 has been a remarkable period for Greece tourism industry, with the country experiencing significant growth in both international air and road arrivals, as well as a notable increase in travel receipts.
This growth underscores Greece’s continued appeal as a top global destination, driven by its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and the welcoming spirit of its people.
Record International Air Arrivals
Between January and June 2024, Greece welcomed an impressive 9.7 million international air arrivals, marking a 9.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge translates to an additional 855,000 travelers choosing Greece for their holiday destination.
In June alone, international air arrivals reached 3.8 million, representing a 5.6% increase from the previous year. The geographical distribution of these arrivals shows a mixed performance across different regions. Crete emerged as a top performer, with 1.8 million international arrivals, an increase of 8.6%, or 144,000 more visitors compared to the previous year. The Dodecanese Islands also saw significant growth, welcoming 1.5 million international arrivals, up by 10.2% or 140,000 visitors.
The Ionian Islands continued their upward trend, recording a 6.9% increase in international arrivals, totaling 1.2 million. The Peloponnese, although smaller in volume, demonstrated strong growth with a remarkable 8.3% increase, reaching 7,400 arrivals. However, the Cyclades experienced a slight decline, with international air arrivals decreasing by 2.6%, totaling 370,000 visitors.
Increasing International Road Arrivals
Greece also saw robust growth in international road arrivals during the first half of 2024. A total of 4 million road arrivals were recorded, reflecting a 13.7% increase compared to the 3.5 million arrivals in the same period of 2023. June alone accounted for 1.5 million of these arrivals, marking a 14.5% increase.
The influx of travelers from neighboring countries contributed significantly to this growth. Road arrivals from Bulgaria surged by 16.7%, reaching a total of 1.5 million, while arrivals from North Macedonia also showed a significant 12.2% increase, totaling 1.2 million. In contrast, road arrivals from Albania decreased by 3.9%, amounting to 706,000.
Positive Trends in Travel Receipts
The positive momentum in Greece’s tourism is also reflected in its financial performance. From January to May 2024, travel receipts increased by a notable 16.2% compared to the same period in 2023, totaling €3.8 billion. This growth was driven by a 24.7% increase in receipts from residents of European Union countries, which reached €2.1 billion.
Receipts from the euro zone countries saw a substantial 24.8% rise, amounting to €1.8 billion, while receipts from EU countries outside the euro zone grew by 24.0% to €284 million. Among individual countries, Germany stood out with a 15.1% increase in travel receipts, totaling €700 million. France also contributed to the growth, with receipts rising by 3.4% to €282 million.
Conversely, receipts from the United Kingdom experienced a slight decline of 3.4%, reaching €400 million. However, receipts from the United States saw a significant boost, increasing by 23.4% to €397 million, highlighting the growing appeal of Greece to American travelers.
Growth in Short-term Rentals
The short-term rental sector in Greece has also shown impressive growth in 2024, reflecting the overall expansion of the tourism industry. By June 2024, the number of short-term rental units had risen to 224,860, up from 204,578 in June 2023. This trend is accompanied by an increase in the number of beds available, with a progressive rise of 90,000 beds during the first half of 2024. The total number of beds offered approached 1 million by June and is expected to exceed this milestone in July.
This expansion in short-term rentals mirrors the broader trends in Greece’s tourism sector, catering to the diverse needs of international travelers and providing them with flexible accommodation options that enhance their experience in the country.
2024 Outlook for Greek Tourism
The growth in international air and road arrivals, coupled with the increase in travel receipts and the expansion of the short-term rental market, paints a positive picture for Greek tourism in 2024. These trends indicate that Greece continues to be a preferred destination for travelers from around the world, offering them unique experiences steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty.
As the tourism sector thrives, Greece remains committed to enhancing its infrastructure and services to meet the growing demands of its international visitors, ensuring that the country remains a top choice for global travelers in the years to come.
