Greece’s Online Reputation Stays Strong in April-June

Acropolis, Athens.

Culture and gastronomy continue to dominate the online conversations of foreign tourists about Greece, contributing to a positive image of the country, according to the latest Key Sentiment Indexes on Greece’s Online Social Reputation.

Published regularly by INSETE, the research institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), and TCI Research, the indexes analyze online discussions from the second quarter of this year.

From April to June, reviews on tourism sites, including online travel agents and review platforms, highlighted high levels of satisfaction with the “tourist experience” in Greece. The country achieved an impressive satisfaction rate of 9.2 out of 10, while Athens received a rating of 9.1. The European average stood at 8.9.

Source: Insete

Additionally, the indexes revealed that travelers to Greece greatly value its environment and human resources, awarding a near-perfect score of 9.5 out of 10.

Greece’s overall Net Sentiment Index (NSI) for the second quarter of 2024 initially held a relatively high score in April but then declined in May and June. It currently ranks third, alongside Spain, behind Portugal, Croatia, and Italy.

Athens experienced a peak in positive sentiment in April, but this fell sharply in May and June, placing it in fourth position compared to other benchmarks.

Source: Insete

Positive drivers include crystal clear waters

Positive sentiment drivers primarily included Greece’s crystal-clear waters and exceptional weather. Social media posts frequently highlighted these features, along with notable destinations such as Meteora, and activities like rock climbing and hiking. Food-related content praised both cooking experiences and unique dining locations. Additionally, Greece was recognized for its clean waters, new long-haul flight routes, and suitability as a destination for female solo travelers.

Greece consistently receives high reviews in the category of Value for Money, with scores of at least 9 out of 10, though three regions scored slightly lower, between 8 and 9 points.

Negative drivers related to high temperatures

In June, negative feedback increased, primarily due to heatwaves, which commonly affect Mediterranean destinations in summer. These heatwaves, coupled with wildfires and occasional closures of archaeological sites during peak heat hours for safety, led to negative social media comments about Greece in general and Athens specifically. Additionally, incidents such as the death or disappearance of visitors, a man-made fire on the island of Hydra, and actions by pro-Palestinian protesters targeting Israeli tourists in Athens—where riot police had to intervene—further contributed to the negative sentiment.

In terms of hygiene, Greece received lower ratings compared to other categories, although it still maintained scores of no less than 8 out of 10. This appears to be its relative weak point.

All 13 Greek regions shine

Source: Insete

The survey also evaluated Greece’s 13 regions, with each receiving ratings above 9 points. Thessaly and Western Macedonia stood out with the highest ratings of 9.5 and 9.4 points, respectively. These high scores suggest significant potential for expanding both seasonally and in terms of tourist market development.