Greece recorded its highest-ever inbound tourism figures in 2024, with 40.7 million international visitors and €21.6 billion (~$24.31 billion) in total revenue, according to final data released by the Bank of Greece. This represents a 12.8% increase in arrivals and a 4.8% rise in earnings compared to 2023.
The number of overnight stays by non-resident travelers reached 240.8 million, up from 236.2 million the previous year, marking a 1.9% increase. Based on these figures, the average international visitor stayed in Greece for approximately 6 nights. The overall growth in overnight stays was driven by a 4.9% increase in those from residents of EU member states, while overnight stays by travelers from non-EU countries fell by 3.9%.
A breakdown of the origin of receipts shows that visitors from EU27 countries contributed €11.97 billion (~$13.47 billion), representing 55.4% of total receipts and an annual increase of 7.1%. Of this, travelers from Eurozone countries spent €9.47 billion (~$10.66 billion), a 4.5% rise over 2023, while visitors from other EU countries spent €2.49 billion (~$2.80 billion), up by 18.4%. Receipts from non-EU countries rose slightly by 0.6%, totaling €8.63 billion (~$9.71 billion). Overall revenue from cruise passengers rose significantly by 22.4% year-on-year, amounting to €1.11 billion (~$1.25 billion).
Among individual markets, Germany remained the largest contributor with €3.7 billion ($4.16 billion) in receipts, up 3.7% from 2023. The United Kingdom followed with €3.15 billion (~$3.54 billion), though this reflected a 4.1% decrease. Receipts from the United States rose sharply by 15.3% to €1.58 billion (~$1.78 billion), while those from Italy increased by 13.6%, reaching €1.22 billion (~$1.37 billion). France registered a decline of 11.6%, also totaling €1.25 billion (~$1.41 billion). Revenue from Russian travelers dropped markedly by 51.5% to €15.7 million ($17.67 million).
Average spending per overnight stay rose by 2.9%, from €87.2 ($98.13) in 2023 to €89.7 ($100.94) in 2024.
The Attica region attracted the highest number of visitors nationwide, while the South Aegean recorded the largest share of overall receipts and overnight stays.