Foreign tourists dominate Greek hotel stays as locals become minority

Provisional data from ELSTAT for May 2026 show foreign visitors accounting for 82 % of arrivals to Greece and 89.8 % of overnight stays in hotels, campsites and short‑term rentals. Greek tourists represent only 18 % of arrivals and 10.2 % of total overnight stays, spending an average of 2.2 days compared with 4.3 days for foreigners. The imbalance persisted during peak periods; August 2025 figures recorded a rise in domestic arrivals to 23.5 % but overnight stays remained low at 16 %.

Eurostat estimates that 46.6 % of Greek citizens cannot afford a one‑week vacation, contributing to low utilisation of social‑tourism vouchers. The DYP A estimates about one in four vouchers go unused, and 42 % of EFKA retirees’ vouchers were unredeemed last year. Primary obstacles cited are insufficient funds, limited free time and a shortage of available accommodation. While 90 % of hotel overnight stays are from foreign guests, Greek presence is higher in campsites (23.3 %) and only a marginal 0.6 % decline was observed in domestic short‑term rental stays.