Greece reports record tourism revenue and aviation traffic in 2026

Greece is experiencing significant growth in its tourism and aviation sectors. Between January and August 2026, passenger traffic across the country's 39 airports reached a record 60.45 million, a 4.9% increase compared to the previous year. The 24 airports managed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) also saw a 5.3% rise, handling approximately 9.4 million passengers.

In terms of economic impact, travel revenue for the first seven months of 2026 rose by 12% to €13.52 billion. While inbound arrivals increased by 8.6% during this period, the average spend per trip grew more modestly at 2.9%. Specifically, in July, travel revenue reached €4.7 billion, a 7.2% annual increase, driven by a 10% rise in average spending per trip despite a slight dip in arrival numbers.

Additionally, the Greek capital market has regained international investor confidence. Following its connection to Euronext, the Athens Stock Exchange has seen foreign investor participation in liquidity rise to 64.1% in 2025, with foreign ownership reaching a historic high of 69% in 2026.