INSETE: Greece’s Inbound Tourism Surges in First Half of 2026
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Greece’s inbound tourism continued its upward trajectory in the first half of 2026, according to the latest INSETE Statistical Bulletin for July. International arrivals and travel receipts posted strong gains, underscoring the sector’s resilience and the country’s expanding appeal across key markets.
International air arrivals reached 10.7 million in January–June 2026, an increase of 396 thousand or +3.8% compared with the same period in 2025. June alone recorded 4.1 million arrivals, up +2.0% year on year. Athens International Airport handled 3.8 million arrivals, marginally lower by -0.04%, while Thessaloniki Airport followed with 1.2 million arrivals, marking a +5.6% rise.
All major regions posted growth. Crete led with 2.1 million international arrivals, an +8.8% increase from 2025. The Dodecanese recorded 1.6 million arrivals (+1.7%), the Ionian Islands 1.4 million (+7.5%), the Cyclades 350 thousand (+6.7%), and the Peloponnese 83 thousand (+3.1%).
Travel receipts also strengthened significantly. Revenues for January–May 2026 rose +25.8% to €5.32 billion. Earnings from EU residents increased +18.0% to €2.676 billion, while receipts from non EU markets surged +36.9% to €2.420 billion. Eurozone markets contributed €2.262 billion (+20.9%), and EU countries outside the euro area added €414 million (+4.5%).
Germany remained stable with a slight +0.3% increase, reaching €761 million. France grew +13.3% to €284 million, while Italy posted a strong +27.6% rise to €222 million. Among non EU markets, the United Kingdom recorded a sharp +50.9% increase to €736 million, and the United States advanced +19.4% to €539 million.
The latest figures confirm Greece’s solid momentum in global tourism, supported by diversified regional performance, robust demand from key European markets, and accelerating growth from long haul destinations. The full INSETE Statistical Bulletin for July 2026 is available through the Institute’s official channels.
