
August started dynamically in terms of tourism figures, as, despite the difficult conditions, there was a 17% increase in arrivals on the islands of the Southeastern Aegean in the first 7 days, compared to the same period in 2019, as recently stated by the Greek Tourism Minister, Mr Vassilis Kikilias. Moreover, during the weekend of August 15, religious and pilgrimage tourism have also increased in various destinations in Greece.
The last month of summer sets the tone for September, with hotels recording very good occupancy rates across Greece and foreign tourists from markets such as Germany, England and elsewhere continuing their holidays in our country in September. In the meantime, in northern Greece, the Balkans, who are the main tourists of the area, continue their holidays until mid-September, as noted by the president of the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation, Mr Grigoris Tasios, speaking to Athens – Macedonian News Agency.
At the same time, the excellent performance of tourism, as Mr Kikilias said, is also reflected in short-term rentals (Airbnb) in which, in July, August and September recorded an increase of 26.5% compared to the corresponding months of 2019.
“What we have noticed this year is that travelers were more restrained in terms of spending, due to the global developments, however all destinations are full,” Mr Tassios stressed.
“We have also noticed high occupancy rates in destinations of Northern Greece, such as Thassos, Halkidiki, and Pieria, where for Balkan travelers the season was simply reduced from 110 days, in 2019, to 90 days” he also added.
Mass travel
“During the weekend of August 15, people travelled so as to worship in churches and to celebrate the Assumption of Mary. They mainly preferred destinations such as Syros, Patmos, Mytilene, Paros, Tinos of course, and in northern Greece Vermio, Chalkidiki etc.,” stressed Mr Lysandros Tsilidis, President of the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel and Tourist Agencies (FedHATTA). “In general, however, this August was full all over Greece. This year we also saw a lot of people travelling to small islands, which, in the last decade, have dynamically entered the market of tourism” Mr. Tsilidis added among other things.
In terms of organized tours, the average from the beginning of the year to date, for both domestic and international tours, reaches 65% compared to the respective of 2019, he also noted.


Latest News

IMF: US Tariffs Shake Global Economy, Outlook Downbeat
IMF slashes global growth forecast to 2.8% as U.S. tariffs create uncertainty and ‘negative supply shock

First Step Towards New Audiovisual Industry Hub in Drama
The project is set to contribute to the further development of Greece’s film industry and establish Drama as an audiovisual hub in the region

Airbnb Greece – Initial CoS Ruling Deems Tax Circular Unlawful
The case reached the Council of State following annulment applications filed by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (POMIDA)

Mitsotakis Unveils €1 Billion Plan for Housing, Pensioners, Public investments
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a new set of economic support measures, worth 1 billion euros, aiming to provide financial relief to citizens.

Alter Ego Ventures Invests in Pioneering Gaming Company ‘Couch Heroes’
Alter Ego Ventures' participation in the share capital of Couch Heroes marks yet another investment by the Alter Ego Media Group in innovative companies with a focus on technology.

Corruption Still Plagues Greece’s Driving Tests
While traffic accidents continue to claim lives on Greek roads daily, irregularities and under-the-table dealings in the training and testing of new drivers remain disturbingly widespread

Pope Francis Died of Stroke and Heart Failure Vatican Confirms
As news of the official cause of death spread, tributes poured in from across the globe. The 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church is united in grief, remembering a pope who championed inclusion, justice, and compassion

Increase in Both Museum Visits, Revenues for 2024
As expected, the Acropolis was the top archeological site in the country, followed by Sounion, Mycenae, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, and Vergina in northern Greece

Where Greece’s Tourists Come From: A Look at 2025’s Top Visitor Markets
The United Kingdom continues to hold the top spot as the largest source of incoming tourism, with 5.6 million seats booked for Greece this summer — up 2.2% from last year. This accounts for 20% of all international air traffic to Greece

Pope Francis: A Pontiff Who Reshaped the Papacy and Sparked a Global Conversation
His first words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica—“Brothers and sisters, good evening”—set the tone for a pontificate that would challenge norms, favor mercy over dogma, and bring the papacy closer to the people.