So many more Americans – driven by the Diaspora – are coming to Greece that airlines are adding more direct flights and the even better news is that the Americans open their wallets while visiting.
A recent Visa-Ipsos survey conducted with 1,500 travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, and France showed changes in travel trends and preferences, with Greece on a path for a third straight record tourism year.
On average, U.S. visitors are expected to spend nearly $3,500 (€3,040) per person on their trip to Greece, which accounts for about 13 percent of their annual income, said Travel and World Tour.
Some are planning to spend a lot more, the report said, adding that about 21 percent of U.S. visitors are preparing to spend more than $20,660 (€18,000) per person, budgeting for high-end experiences such as private guided tours, luxury accommodations, and gourmet dining, just the audience that Greece wants.
From the funky buzz of Athens neighborhood, to crowds at the Acropolis Museum, a 20,000 person daily limit at the Acropolis and ferry boats filled with people heading for the islands, Greece is alive with activity and foreign travelers.
“The survey also highlights the economic impact that international visitors will have on Greece’s tourism industry, with millions of dollars in spending expected in the coming months,” the report said, although it’s billions more.
The Americans are just the type that Greece wants, pushing for wealthy travelers and reaching out for more luxury resorts to cater to them, even taking over public beaches in violation of the Constitution.
Despite the blistering heat, the summer still has seen people coming although more travelers are preferring the so-called shoulder seasons of the spring and October to avoid the heat and crowds, although direct flights aren’t always year round.
The survey revealed that an increasing number of travelers are turning to AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT for trip planning advice, further competing with remaining travel agencies and travel sites that book flights, accommodations and cars.
Many travelers now are consulting AI to answer specific questions about destinations, accommodation options, activities, and even the best times to visit, the report adding that July is the peak month for Americans.
In 2025, the U.S. market is expected to reach 727,000 seats, marking an impressive 18.6 percent year-over-year increase. Despite concerns over inflation and consumer spending raised at the recent Delphi Economic Forum, U.S. interest in Greece appears to be stronger than ever..
The preferred destinations for them are Athens and the Attica region dominate, with 41 percent of U.S. visitors planning to visit there, the Parthenon a prime attraction as well as archaeological sites, museums and ancient ruins.
Next are the islands of the South Aegean (31 percent) and the country’s biggest island of Crete (27) but the second-largest city of Thessaloniki and the Peloponnese, with unspoiled beaches and fewer crowds has become a draw.
Americans said they also favor the country’s famed beaches, among the best and cleanest in the world, although many have been taken over by private companies unlawfully allowed to take up space and charge hundreds of euros a day to rent umbrellas and lounge chairs at some resorts.
About 65 percent of respondents mentioned the country’s ancient ruins and historical landmarks as a key factor in their decision to visit but Americans also showed interest in Greece’s nightlife, theme parks, and live music, a broader trend toward blending relaxation with entertainment and cultural activities.
The survey found that 30 percent of American travelers are willing to pay an additional 5 to 10 percent for eco-friendly travel options in Greece which is facing infrastructure and water supply problems, especially on popular islands.
