Survey Reveals What Attracts the Dutch to Greek Destinations

Photo source: Griekenland.net.

Greece this year is once again a favorite holiday destination for Dutch travelers with over one million tourists from The Netherlands expected to have visited Greece by the end of 2023, according to the Dutch Griekenland.net website.

Promoting tourism to Greece since 2001, the Dutch website released a survey that reveals what Dutch tourists prefer to do during their holidays in Greece.

The survey, conducted among 1,067 website visitors, found that 24 percent of Dutch tourists choose to explore and discover a Greek destination.

“This means that they are interested in seeing things, meeting people, and tasting products and dishes. In short, they want to experience ‘the DNA’ of a Greek destination,” according to the survey.

Photo source: Griekenland.net.

Greek hospitality is another major draw for Dutch tourists. “We come to Greece as guests, but we leave as friends and it is a mutual feeling,” said Bas Wanrooij of Griekenland.net. “Especially because you can easily communicate with the Greeks and they are happy to show you things to see, feel, taste and ‘really’ discover a destination.”

Food and relaxation are also important factors for Dutch tourists in Greece. 18 percent of respondents said that they go to Greece mainly to enjoy themselves, citing the pleasant promenades, the rich Greek cuisine, and the beautiful bays as their main reasons. 16 percent of respondents said that they go to Greece to relax, with lying on the beach, reading a book in the sun, and doing nothing at all topping their list of priorities.

Photo source: Griekenland.net.

While many Dutch tourists choose to visit Greece for a sun holiday, the survey also found that there is interest in other types of tourism, such as winter sports, alternative tourism, and events and festivals.

For example, Santorini is a popular destination for its views of the caldera, but it can be very crowded in the summer months.

A visit in November or March is a great alternative, as the weather is still mild and there are fewer tourists. Hiking in the Pindos Mountain in Epirus in the autumn or combining a city trip to Athens with a day of skiing in Parnassos are other examples of how to enjoy Greece outside of the peak season.

Other options mentioned in the survey include shopping, quality time with friends, making new friends, and participating in a sporting event, such as the Athens Marathon.

Overall, the survey shows that Dutch tourists are looking for a variety of experiences when they visit Greece. They are interested in exploring the country’s rich culture and history, enjoying its delicious food and wine, and relaxing in its beautiful scenery.