Surveys, Trends & Stats

Global tourism returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with 1.4 billion international arrivals recorded worldwide, marking a 99% recovery from 2019, according to UN Tourism.

Greece is among the top five European countries for overnight stays in 2024, with over 152 million travelers and a 3.5% rise from 2023.

Greece’s 39 airports recorded a significant increase in passenger traffic in 2024, collectively handling over 79.4 million travelers.

Ferry ticket prices in Greece are expected to rise sharply due to new environmental regulations, with increases of up to 12%, beginning in May 2025.

The 14 Greek regional airports managed by Fraport Greece welcomed over 36 million passengers in 2024.

Athens ranks among the “Safest Cities for Female Business Travelers” in the world, according to TMC Good Travel Management.

Crete is listed among the best European sunny getaways for winter by the travel and culture platform European Best Destinations (EBD).

TIF-Helexpo, Greece’s national exhibition body, significantly advanced its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint in 2023, according to its annual Sustainable Development Report.

Airlines are expected to increase seat capacity on incoming international flights to Greece by 16.4% for the winter season.

Greece features as one of the world’s top relaxing holiday destinations for 2025 in the Global Relaxation Index.

Tourism’s contribution to Greece’s economy accounted for 13% of the country’s total GDP in 2023.

While global passenger traffic continues to rise, IATA warns that supply chain issues are hindering airlines’ ability to acquire the aircraft needed to meet growing demand.

Southeast Asia, Southern Asia, and key destinations in Oceania, Africa, and the Americas are set to dominate international travel demand in the first half of 2025.

The Greek passport maintains its position as one of the world’s most powerful, ranking 6th on the Henley Passport Index, the same as in 2024.

Crete ranks among Europe’s and the world’s top destinations on TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards ‘Best of the Best’ lists.

The Port of Piraeus achieved remarkable success in 2024, setting new records in cruise passenger traffic and homeporting.

Greece ranks among the top destinations for affluent travelers in 2025, according to a report released by luxury travel network Virtuoso.

Aeromexico and Riyadh King Khalid International Airport have been named the most punctual global airline and airport of 2024, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

A survey has included Thessaloniki and Heraklion among the least anxiety-inducing cities in the world for American travelers seeking to unwind.

Greece’s tourism sector closed 2024 on a high note and set new records in both revenue and visitor arrivals, according to INSETE.