Greece’s tourism industry has bounced back post-pandemic, and, over the first seven months of this year, receipts-arrivals increased by up to 15.5 percent in 2024. This fall, the trend is expected to continue, boosting industry and government revenue.
The beginning of September saw slightly lower numbers than the peak week of August 15th. However, it was, nonetheless, eight percent better than last year and seventeen percent higher than 2019.
Fall destinations in Greece
This fall, among the Greek islands, Crete, Kos, and Rhodes are top destinations for German travelers, according to TUI Germany, with the season extending into November. Antalya in Turkey leads bookings, followed by Mallorca, Crete, Kos, and Hurghada in Egypt.
TUI announced it is adding 75,000 extra vacation packages and 65 additional flights, extending the season for Crete, Rhodes, and Kos. Greece’s competitive edge is its lower prices.
Data Appeal’s study shows a significant drop (-24 percent) in vacation rentals from late August to October. Unlike Spain and Italy, Greece experiences significant cost decline during this time period, with prices being at their lowest at the end of October. This indicates more pronounced seasonal variation in Greece.
Customer trends
Based on Statista, the US market leads with stable overall arrivals to Greece and a four percent increase. Peak arrivals occurred in late August and early September.
German travelers follow closely, with Statista showing an eight percent increase expected for the months of September and October compared to August. In terms of French visitors, there is a slight decrease, while Greece will see an increase of British vacationers entering the country this month as well as the following.
Estimates confirm this year’s collections will reach or exceed 22 billion euros, surpassing initial projections by at least one billion euros.
While revenue is not evenly distributed, the industry’s momentum is clear. Year after year, the trend of extending the season seems feasible. Greece should not be seen only as a summer destination for tourism but a fall destination, as well. According to Airdata Tracker, international flight seats are up 7 percent for September and 10.7 percent for October.
High occupancy islands
August ended with high occupancy at island destinations. According to The Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), island officials that spoke with AMNA have reported that many areas, such as Naxos, Ios, Samos, Lipsi, Skopelos, Astypalaia, and Andros, attained over 90 percent occupancy, with some hitting 100 percent.
Mainland destinations of Greece exhibited mixed results, according to the same source. Despite initial hopes of increased traffic, AMNA has reported that areas such as the Peloponnese and Karpenissi did not see the expected increase in tourist arrivals. Visitors limited their spending to essentials. Conversely, tourists packed islands such as Kythira and Edipsos but spent less compared to previous years.
Based on AMNA reports, accommodation and catering businesses on Paros saw impressive growth, with turnover rising by 90.4 percent in May and 34.5 in June, totaling €10,244,648 in the same month. The extended tourist season attracted an increased number of visitors to the island.
A similar trend was reported by Milos officials. Businesses saw increased turnover of 45.4 percent in May and 23.3 percent in June, attaining total revenues of €4,257,402 (almost $4.6 million) in June, reported AMNA.
Kea and Kythnos likewise saw a notable increase of 23.2 percent in revenue in May, according to island officials who spoke with AMNA, although, in June, that increase was a mere 0.7 percent. This indicates a stable tourist demand.
