Greece Winning Tourists with Strong Online Reputation

The Acropolis monument in Athens. Photo source: Athens Development and Destination Management Agency

Greece is steadily moving up in the minds of potential travelers as a quality choice, according to the latest Athens/Greece Sentiment Tracker released by INSETE, the research body of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), in collaboration with TCI Research

The country managed in the fourth quarter of 2022 to outdo rival markets Italy and Spain in terms of net sentiment score (NSI). Athens’ score was also higher than those of competing destinations in Q4.

According to INSETE analysts, Greece’s and Athens’ reputation measured by its net sentiment score increased in all the markets under review in Q4 2022. Significant increases were reported in the UK market, up by 53 points and 80 points, respectively, compared to Q3 2022.

Greece’s reputation also improved in France, up by 43 points and in Germany up by 38 points, while the French (+29 points) and Dutch (+27 points) markets marked large changes for Athens.

With regard to online conversations concerning Greece, topics focused on gastronomy and hospitality. Declining were conversations on Covid-19, sanitary safety, culture and cleanliness in comparison to the Q3 2022.

Source: INSETE

In terms of experience reputation in Q4 2022, Greece garnered a score of 9.09 in Q4 and Athens a score of 9.06 with culture leading the way (9.37), followed by sea (9.11), restaurants (9.07), shopping (8.94) and accommodation (8.87).

Source: INSETE

Meanwhile, Greece appears to be gaining ground as an all-season destination as more online conversations in Q4 focused on autumn and winter travel to the country.

Food and culture were the main topics of Greece’s online presence throughout 2022, said INSETE.

Athens, Acropolis Museum Cafe. Photo source: Visit Greece/ H Kakarouhas

On the downside, online topics related to the use of animals as a means of transport, pickpockets in Athens, and digital travel scams were also reported during Q4 2022 despite overall negative comments being on the decline, INSETE said. Other issues of concern online included extreme weather, geopolitical affairs, and the effects of inflation.