Greece’s tourism sector recorded a significant boost in the first half of 2025, helping offset a widening trade deficit, according to recent data from the Bank of Greece.
Travel revenue surged by 11% in H1 2025, reaching 7.66 billion euros, or 760 million euros more than the same period in 2024. June alone saw an 8.8% increase, totaling 3.3 billion euros, despite a slight decline in visitor arrivals.
However, June also marked a reversal in the country’s current account, with a deficit of 1.2 billion euros, compared to a surplus during the same month last year. The deficit was driven by weaker goods exports and increased imports, while the services balance showed minor improvement.
For the first six months of 2025, Greece’s current account deficit narrowed by 692.7 million euros from the same period in 2024, settling at 7.6 billion euros. Improvements were seen across the goods, primary income, secondary income, and services balances, with travel services playing a key role.
Exports of goods fell by 4.8% in current prices, while imports declined by 3.8%. Excluding fuel, exports rose 4.3% and imports increased 3.7%. The services balance improved slightly due to higher travel receipts, although transport services recorded a decline.
On the capital and financial accounts, Greece recorded a capital surplus of 1.2 billion euros in H1 2025, reversing a deficit from the same period in 2024. Financial transactions showed strong activity in direct and portfolio investments, with significant inflows into Greek bonds and equities.
By the end of June 2025, Greece’s foreign exchange reserves stood at 15.3 billion euros, up from 13.3 billion euros a year earlier, reflecting the combined impact of tourism, trade, and investment flows.
