Greece’s tourism industry recorded another strong year, with total revenue from accommodation and dining services surpassing €21 billion in 2024. According to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the sector’s turnover increased by 5.8% compared to 2023, reaffirming Greece’s strong position as a leading global tourism destination.
Accommodation: Record €11 billion – Rhodes & Lasithi lead the way
The accommodation sector recorded a turnover of €11.005 billion, marking a 9.2% increase from €10.078 billion in 2023. This impressive performance was driven by strong tourist flows, higher occupancy rates, and a surge in bookings from international travelers.
The top-performing regions were:
- Rhodes: With a 23.7% increase, it led in total revenue.
- Lasithi: Saw a 14.7% rise, reflecting Crete’s strong tourism momentum.
However, the trend was not uniform across all destinations. The Santorini (Thira) and Mykonos regional units recorded declines of 9.3% and 7.3%, respectively. These drops are attributed to factors such as destination saturation, rising prices, and shifting visitor preferences.
Dining: Surpassing €10 billion – 2.4% growth
The dining sector experienced moderate growth compared to the accommodation industry. The total turnover in food service businesses reached €10.128 billion, reflecting a 2.4% increase from €9.893 billion in 2023.
Top revenue growth performers:
- Rhodes (+17.6%)
- Kos (+12.2%)
In contrast, notable declines were recorded in:
- Corinthia (-9.7%)
- Mykonos (-8.1%)
The decline in Mykonos is linked to overcrowding and shifting consumer habits, with tourists opting for more affordable destinations.
The overall economic outlook for tourism in 2024
Combined, the accommodation and dining sectors surpassed €21.1 billion, up from €19.97 billion in 2023, reflecting the positive trajectory of Greece’s tourism industry.
With optimistic projections for 2025 and ongoing investment in the visitor experience, Greece continues to strengthen its position as a high-demand global destination.