During day 2 of TO BHMA's Dialogues for Athens forum, Mayor Haris Doukas said visitors to the city center will reach 10 million this year. A leading novelist warned that the capital risks becoming a postcard for tourists rather than a home for the people who live there.

Athens ranks fourth of 47 cities worldwide in Time Out's Holiday Happiness Index and is named the most walkable, while Lisbon claims first place.

As Athenians head out of the capital for the August 15 holiday, visitors fill the Acropolis and historic center, discovering a quieter side of the city at the height of summer.

New data show overnight stays and visitors per resident have nearly tripled in eight years, with pressure concentrated in a handful of central districts

Athens sees tourism surge beyond pre-pandemic levels, while short-term rental growth slows in areas where new permits have been suspended.

The Greek capital's historic center hosts 60% of tourist beds, highlighting persistent pressure despite licensing restrictions

The Greek capital draws millions of visitors, but the Municipality gets little in return. TO BHMA International Edition speaks with Athens Mayor Haris Doukas about housing pressures, funding and the city's push for greater control over tourism policy

Athens launches app to manage tour bus parking, aiming to reduce congestion and improve city center mobility

The central challenge for Athens, the study concludes, is to transform itself from a short cultural stop into a fully developed multi-day metropolitan destination.

Based on the figures, Attica was followed by the South Aegean and Crete, which ranked second and third respectively.

The Greek capital was named Europe’s Leading Cultural City Destination and Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board.

Czech travel professionals were provided with digital materials from the Region of Attica, practical information, and the full printed travel guide from the GNTO.

Hoteliers in Athens and Attica are expressing concern about a decline in occupancy levels in July, a peak tourism month for the city.

Despite a slight recovery in room revenue and occupancy, Athens still trails cities like Madrid, Rome, and Barcelona in tourism performance, with only Istanbul falling behind in key metrics.

The American footprint is especially prominent in Athens, where nearly one in four reviews (24.6%) comes from U.S. guests.

The hotel association stresses that proactive measures in “crisis management and financial risk planning” are essential, both at a central strategic level and a regional one.

Greek capital named among the best destinations for a 2025 getaway with your girlfriends

Demand for travel from the United States to Greece is reaching new heights prompting an increase in direct flights for the upcoming summer season.

With 10 million visitors expected, Athens doubles down on innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships.

Athens must plan like Barcelona to avoid an overtourism crisis, said the mayor, adding that the city is expecting some 10 million travelers this year.