Greece Reports Growth in UK Tourist Arrivals During Peak Season

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni with Mark Tanzer, the Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association, during the opening of this year’s ABTA Travel Convention in Costa Navarino, Messinia, Greece. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

During the peak summer month of July, Greece saw an 8 percent surge in visitors from the United Kingdom — one of its main source markets — compared to the same period last year, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening of this year’s travel convention of ABTA – The Travel Association, which is being held in Costa Navarino through October 9, Kefalogianni noted that in 2023, Greece received over 4.5 million visitors from the United Kingdom — a record number for UK travel traffic to Greece.

“Greece and the UK share a long-standing relationship and strong collaboration in the field of tourism,” said Kefalogianni.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni giving her opening speech at this year’s ABTA Travel Convention. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

During her speech, Kefalogianni highlighted the central pillars of Greece’s tourism policy, which focus on preserving natural and cultural heritage, supporting local communities, and addressing the impacts of climate change.

“Sustainable tourism is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. Our aim is to build a tourism model that benefits both our visitors and our residents,” she emphasized.

Kefalogianni added that Greece aims to expand its tourism offerings by promoting lesser-known destinations and increasing demand beyond the peak summer months.

“We want to showcase our country’s rich cultural heritage and incredible diversity,” she said, adding that Greece aspires to be a global leader in sustainable tourism.

With a history of over 70 years, ABTA is a prominent institution in the UK travel industry, representing travel agents and executives from tour operators, airlines, hotel groups, and other companies.

This year’s annual ABTA Conference (ABTA – The Travel Convention), supported by the Greek Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), is a key event for the UK’s travel industry and one of the most significant gatherings in the global tourism market. The event hosts over 200 delegates from the travel industry, along with representatives from both British and international media.