Greece’s tourism sector is on track for another record-breaking year, with strong international bookings projected through October, despite a growing shift toward last-minute holiday reservations.
According to data from the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE), airline seat availability to Greece is set to rise by 4.4% in August, 4.7% in September, and 4.8% in October compared with the same months in 2024. The largest increase is on flights from the United States, up an impressive 23.2% for the August–October period.
Key markets continue to grow
Greece’s two biggest visitor sources — the United Kingdom and Germany — are also posting gains, with available airline seats up 2.6% and 2.5% respectively. Much of the growth is driven by new routes and expanded schedules from airlines.
In the first half of 2025, Greece recorded 10.3 million international air arrivals, an increase of 556,000 passengers (5.7%) compared with the same period last year. Crete led with 1.9 million arrivals (+4.7%), followed by the Dodecanese with 1.5 million (+1.3%) and the Ionian Islands with 1.3 million (+4.9%). The Peloponnese saw a notable 9.7% rise, while the Cyclades were the only region to experience a drop, with arrivals down 11.5%.
Last-minute bookings dominate
This season has been marked by tourists booking much closer to their travel dates — sometimes just two or three days before arrival. Hoteliers, facing higher operational costs from energy prices, labour regulations, and environmental levies, are less able to offer deep discounts, keeping price pressures high even late in the season.
With steady growth from key international markets and strong demand projected into autumn, Greece’s tourism industry is poised to close 2025 on a high note, further cementing its reputation as a year-round destination.
