Greek tourism shows split growth: short‑term rentals surge while hotels face pressure

Data for April‑May show Greece’s tourism sector operating at two speeds. Short‑term rentals recorded a 2 % year‑on‑year demand increase, while supply fell 2.3 %, driving occupancy up to 58.1 % and the average daily rate to €135.5 – a 9.1 % rise. RevPAR climbed 15.1 %, putting Greece among the highest‑gaining markets in Europe. In contrast, hotel occupancy slipped to 47.5 % in April, with average rates dropping to €104 as operators cut prices to attract guests.

Geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran and higher inflation are shifting traveler spending toward cheaper periods, but overall demand remains positive. Forecasts for the June‑August season anticipate a 4.9 % demand increase versus last year, with July up 9.5 % and August up 7.6 %; September bookings are already rising 9 %, extending the peak season.

A related travel piece highlights six Greek destinations that offer cooler retreats – mountain villages, forested valleys, rivers and waterfalls – for visitors seeking relief from the summer heat.

Air traffic data show Greece leading Europe with an 11 % weekly rise in passenger movements in early July, outpacing markets such as France, Poland and Italy.