Greece’s tourism sector continued its upward trajectory in Oct., according to the latest data from the Bank of Greece, underscoring the industry’s resilience and sustained momentum. Tourism revenues reached 22.385 billion euros in the Jan.–Oct. 2025 period, up from 20.554 billion euros in the same period last year.
Compared with Oct. 2024, arrivals of non-resident travelers rose by 7.2%, while related receipts increased by an even stronger 8.2%. On a cumulative basis for Jan.–Oct., arrivals were up 4.4% year-on-year, with revenues climbing by 8.9%.
In Oct. alone, tourism receipts amounted to 2.252 billion euros, highlighting the sector’s ability to extend its performance beyond the traditional peak summer months.
The balance of primary income, however, recorded a deficit in Oct., reversing the surplus seen in the same month of 2024. This shift mainly reflects net payments rather than net receipts for interest, dividends and profits.
Nevertheless, over the Jan.–Oct. period, the primary income deficit narrowed compared with 2024, largely due to lower net payments for interest, dividends and profits.
Holiday Season Bookings Surge
Demand for short-term rental accommodation, particularly Airbnb-style properties, is proving exceptionally strong this winter. In many mountainous destinations, occupancy rates for the Christmas and New Year holidays are approaching 90%, with available listings shrinking by the day.
Early indications for the festive period are highly encouraging, as more travelers turn to alternative destinations and experiences. Should holiday travel unfold as anticipated, 2025 could rank among the strongest years on record for tax revenues generated from short-term rentals.
Trikala’s famed “Mill of the Elves” has emerged as the country’s most popular Christmas park, pushing local occupancy rates to around 90%. Similar levels are being recorded in Meteora, Pertouli, Mouzaki and the Plastira Lake area, confirming the growing appeal of winter tourism across Greece’s inland destinations.
