Greece is poised for another strong winter tourism season, with airline seat capacity for international arrivals during the 2024/25 winter season expected to grow by 16.4% compared to the previous year. According to data from INSETE, the research institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), a total of 5.659 million seats are projected to be available from November to March, based on analysis by Airdata Tracker, which uses OAG’s global travel data.
The growth is particularly pronounced during the winter months, with January emerging as a standout period. Over one million seats are scheduled for January 2025, reflecting a 16.7% increase year-on-year. December saw an impressive 20.7% growth, totaling 1.173 million available seats, while November recorded a 21.6% increase to 1.221 million seats. February and March are also projected to see strong gains, with increases of 17.4% and 22%, respectively. These trends underscore Greece’s sustained momentum as a premier global tourism destination.
Performance by Key Markets:
The upward trajectory extends across major international markets. Germany, a key source market for Greece, recorded a 6% increase in airline seat capacity. The United Kingdom and the United States showed even stronger growth at 7.7% and 10.5%, respectively. France led the surge among European markets with a 28% increase, while the Netherlands and Italy also recorded notable growth at 20% and 4%, respectively.
Significant capacity expansions at Greece’s major airports have supported this growth. Scheduled seat availability at Athens International Airport and Thessaloniki Airport is projected to rise by 17.3% and 14.6%, respectively. The increased connectivity and frequency of flights position Greece to capitalize on the heightened demand for travel.
Record-Breaking Tourism Revenue:
Greece’s tourism sector achieved new revenue milestones in 2024, with total receipts exceeding 20.9 billion euros during the first ten months of the year, according to the Bank of Greece. This represents a 5.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Revenues from Germany contributed 3.6 billion euros, while receipts from Italy grew by 15.7%. The United States also demonstrated robust growth, with revenues rising by 10.1% to 1.4 billion euros.
Surge in Travel Traffic:
Inbound travel traffic to Greece also saw substantial increases, with a 9.2% rise bringing total arrivals to 33.8 million travelers, compared to 30.9 million in 2023. German arrivals grew by 14.9% to 5.2 million travelers, while arrivals from the United Kingdom and the United States reached 4.4 million and 1.36 million, respectively. Data from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority and Athens International Airport revealed 25.5 million international air arrivals during the January-November period, surpassing the previous year’s 23.5 million by 5.8%.
Key Implications for the Travel Industry:
The robust growth in airline seat capacity, combined with record-breaking tourism revenues and inbound travel traffic, highlights Greece’s resilience and adaptability in the competitive global travel market. The expansion of flight routes and increased frequencies not only cater to rising demand but also enhance Greece’s position as a year-round destination.
These developments are expected to bolster the Greek economy further, with tourism continuing to serve as a vital driver of growth. The strong performance of Athens International Airport and Thessaloniki Airport underscores the importance of strategic infrastructure investments to accommodate growing passenger volumes.
Outlook for 2025:
As Greece prepares for another successful tourism year, the focus remains on sustaining growth through targeted marketing efforts, enhanced connectivity, and continued investments in infrastructure and service quality. With an increasing number of international visitors and expanding airline partnerships, Greece is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leading global travel destination.
The positive trends in tourism revenue, air traffic, and international arrivals reflect the country’s ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics while preserving its cultural and natural allure. The 2024/25 winter season serves as a testament to Greece’s enduring appeal and its commitment to excellence in the travel and hospitality sectors.
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