Greeks’ travel abroad experienced a 25% drop in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Tourist and Travel Agencies (Fedhatta). The decline is largely attributed to less disposable income of households, itself the result of much higher cost-of-living in the post-pandemic period.
In 2023, Greeks traveled more abroad than in the previous years, although numbers still fell short of pre-pandemic levels. The year saw 6.2 million departures, 34.9 million overnight stays, and 2.4 billion euros in expenses. Despite this increase, current indicators suggest a downturn in 2024.
Additionally, there has been a shift from Balkan destinations to traditional European hotspots like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands. This trend is highlighted in a study by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE) titled “Outgoing Travel from Greece, 2019-2023.”
INSETE also notes that Greek citizens averaged 5.6 overnight stays abroad in 2023, slightly down from 5.7 in 2019. However, the Average Per Capita Expenditure (APCE) rose by 12% in 2023, with the Average Expenditure per Overnight Stay (AEOS) increasing by 14%, from 61euros in 2019 to 70 euros in 2023. This rise was influenced by a 4% increase in travel to higher-spending Eurozone countries.
When it comes to travel timing, outbound tourism among Greeks is not as seasonal as inbound tourism. Instead of being concentrated in the second and third quarters, it is almost evenly distributed throughout the year.
