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

The country's current account deficit fell to €1.4 billion in April 2026, a reduction of €956 million compared with April 2025.

Tourism is powering Greece’s jobs boom, with hiring surging as the summer season begins and full-time employment reaching new highs.

Greek tourism remains resilient despite global uncertainty, but hotels face growing pressure as travelers delay decisions, seek better deals and shorter stays while operating costs continue to rise

A sluggish Easter, soft supermarket performance, and a massive 60 million euro investment in Patras shape the early picture for Greece's beer industry this year

Naxos earns global praise as media highlight its authentic charm, culture, nature, and balanced, sustainable island lifestyle in Greece.

Interest in travel remained, but had weakened compared with 2025, primarily because the cost of short breaks had risen across the board

Greece’s proposed tourism spatial planning framework has triggered disputes over destination capacity limits, short-term rentals and development rules, as industry groups call for more flexible, data-driven policies.

The government says the overhaul will introduce clear rules for tourism, renewable energy and industry, while strengthening environmental protections and supporting the country’s energy transition

The Hellenic Hoteliers Federation warns that the proposed tourism spatial framework could impose broad restrictions that overlook local needs, while calling for policies that support sustainable growth and fair competition

Greece entered 2026 expecting another record year for tourism, but rising fuel costs, Middle East tensions and decreased demand are beginning to test the industry’s resilience

The 2026–2027 Social Tourism vouchers can be used starting May 18, 2026, and are valid for the following 12 months for eligible beneficiaries.

The island's tourism growth extended beyond aviation, with the island also asserting itself as a dominant player in cruise tourism.

Applications are now opening for a state-backed holiday program targeting self-employed pensioners in Greece, offering subsidized stays and travel benefits across selected destinations, with priority access rules and increased support for specific regions

Authorities grant extra time for applications after widespread technical issues blocked access for thousands, with a new deadline set for May 3.

International travel demand remained resilient in 2025 despite inflation and geopolitical tensions, with Greece recording strong gains in arrivals, revenue, and visitor satisfaction across key sectors

Hotels and restaurants head into peak season understaffed, as labor gaps across the economy top 360,000 despite a rise in foreign worker recruitment.

The Peloponnese is also a particularly strong market in wedding tourism, led by Costa Navarino and destinations such as the Mani peninsula.

The 2026–2027 Social Tourism program in Greece has opened with applications processed by tax ID digits, offering subsidized holidays for up to 300,000 workers and unemployed citizens, including free stays in selected regions and transport discounts.

Overall, Greek tourism in 2026 is moving along a fine balance. The strong demand base, increased airline capacity, and the country’s image as a safe destination create the conditions for another positive year