Tourism to Greece generated €5.3 billion in revenue and attracted nearly 8.6 million visitors during the first five months of 2026, marking substantial double-digit growth over the previous year.
According to data released by the Bank of Greece, travel receipts between January and May jumped 25.8% compared to the same period in 2025.
This economic boom was driven by a 20.9% surge in international arrivals, underscoring the Mediterranean country's enduring appeal as a premier travel destination.
The financial windfall was fueled by heavy spending from both European and international markets.
Receipts from European Union residents rose 18% to €2.6 billion, while non-EU visitors contributed €2.4 billion, a massive 36.9% increase.
British travelers drove the most significant individual growth. U.K. spending skyrocketed 50.9% to €736.3 million, matching a nearly 36% jump in visitor arrivals. American tourists also spent heavily, generating €539 million—a 19.4% increase—despite a minor 2% dip in overall U.S. traveler volume.
Germany remained Greece's largest single market by volume, bringing in €760.8 million from more than 1.2 million visitors. France and Italy also recorded solid, double-digit growth in both arrival numbers and overall spending.
A significant portion of this early-season surge stemmed from overland travel. While traditional airport arrivals increased by a steady 9.5%, border-crossing road traffic surged by 64.5%, pointing to a massive influx of tourists driving in from neighboring countries.