Greece Forecasts €22 Billion in Tourism Revenues for 2024, Record Growth in 2025

Debate on the 2025 Budget in the Hellenic Parliament. Photo source: Hellenic Parliament / © Froso Kanellidou

The Greek tourism sector is on track to achieve record annual revenues in 2025, according to Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday during the discussion of the 2025 budget, Kefalogianni projected revenues of 22 billion euros for 2024, surpassing the previous high of 20 billion euros in 2023, with further growth expected next year.

In her address, the minister credited these achievements to the government’s strategic approach to tourism development.

“This strategy is delivering measurable results,” she said. “The increase in travel traffic during the first five months of this year, combined with robust performance in September and October, underscores the success of our efforts. Our primary goal has been to distribute tourism activity both geographically and throughout the year, ensuring benefits reach all regions of the country and span all 12 months.”

Tourism as a key economic driver

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni speaking in Parliament. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Kefalogianni emphasized Greece’s economic recovery, highlighting the country’s return to primary budget surpluses, reduced unemployment, and declining public debt.

“The 2025 budget projects that Greece will record the fourth highest primary surplus in the European Union,” she added.

According to the minister, tourism plays a pivotal role in enhancing the standard of living across Greek society. She pointed to the extension of the tourist season as a critical factor contributing to the industry’s success.

Strategic initiatives for 2025

During her speech, Kefalogianni outlined a comprehensive strategy for maintaining and enhancing Greece’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination.

Key priorities include:

– Infrastructure development: Investments in projects to support specialized tourism, such as mountain, maritime, health, and wellness tourism.
– Digital transformation: Implementation of advanced platforms leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to promote new tourism experiences and improve the travel experience.
– Sustainability and regulation: Establishing a globally innovative hotel classification system based on environmental performance, and introducing new regulations for short-term rentals to enhance the quality of hospitality.
– Tourism education: Expanding educational opportunities in the tourism sector by allowing graduates to continue their studies in higher institutions, thereby ensuring a skilled workforce.

The minister also highlighted the continuation of the “Tourism for All” program, which encourages domestic travel by offering financial support to Greek citizens.

“We are particularly committed to supporting domestic tourism, and we will enhance the program with increased funding in the coming period,” she noted.

Investments and branding

Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Kefalogianni underscored the growing interest of international hotel groups in Greece, with investments expanding even into less-developed tourist regions. She highlighted the importance of promoting Greece’s diverse natural environment and rich cultural heritage.

“We are working to upgrade Greece’s tourism brand by showcasing the country’s unique assets. Through collaboration among the state, private sector, and workers, we have achieved significant progress, even in challenging times. We are committed to continuing this momentum,” she concluded, urging Parliament to support the 2025 budget.