Greece experienced another strong year for tourism in 2024, attracting 40.7 million foreign visitors and generating €21.6 billion in tourism revenue, according to data released by the Bank of Greece.

The figures mark a 12.8% increase in visitor numbers and a 4.8% rise in revenues compared to 2023.

Attica hosted the largest number of visitors, while the Southern Aegean recorded the highest share of total tourism receipts and overnight stays. Non-resident overnight stays rose slightly to 240.8 million, up 1.9% from 2023. This increase was driven by a 4.9% rise in overnight stays by EU residents, which offset a 3.9% decline in stays by visitors from non-EU countries.

EU visitors contributed significantly to the growth in revenue. Receipts from EU residents totaled €11.97 billion (up 7.1%), representing over half of the year’s tourism income. Visitors from eurozone countries generated €9.5 billion (up 4.5%), while those from non-euro EU countries contributed €2.5 billion (up 18.4%). Cruise tourism also saw robust growth, with revenues climbing 22.4% to €1.11 billion.

Among key markets, Germany remained the top source of income, with receipts reaching €3.7 billion (up 3.7%). The US posted the highest increase among non-European countries, with receipts up 15.3% to €1.6 billion. Italy also showed strong growth at 13.6% (€1.25 billion), while the UK contributed €3.15 billion, down 4.1%. In contrast, receipts from France dropped 11.6%, and those from Russia fell sharply by 51.5%, totaling just €15.7 million.

Personal travel remained the primary reason for visits, accounting for 93.5% of total travel spending in 2024, slightly down from 94.7% in 2023, but still representing a 3.6% increase in receipts for this category.

Source: Ekathimerini.com