GNTO: 29% of Europeans plan trip to Greece by May 2027

Greece's tourism sector is showing robust potential, with a significant number of Europeans planning visits in the coming years, according to initial findings from a market survey by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

The survey, conducted across ten major European markets, reveals that 29% of European travelers intend to visit Greece by May 2027. This places Greece as the third most popular Mediterranean destination among respondents. Romania leads with the highest intention to visit (45%), followed by Italy (38%) and Sweden (37%).

A notable aspect of the findings is the strong demand extending beyond the traditional summer high season. Approximately 35% of those planning a trip to Greece between now and May 2027 intend to visit between September and November 2026, with September being the preferred month for 23% of travelers. This indicates a growing interest in shoulder seasons.

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The first findings of the survey confirm that Greece maintains a strong position in Europeans' travel intentions, earning both the trust of those who have already visited and the interest of new audiences.

Among those planning to visit, 58% are repeat visitors, while 42% are first-time travelers, reflecting both loyalty and the destination's appeal to new audiences. The survey also assessed European travelers' perceptions of Greece, with "variety of experiences offered" scoring highest at 83%, closely followed by "friendly and hospitable locals" at 82%. "Safety" received a 77% positive rating, and "quality of tourist infrastructure" garnered 75%.

However, the perception of "value for money" scored lower at 67%, identified as an area requiring further attention. Andreas Fioreninos, Secretary General of GNTO, stated that the findings confirm Greece's strong position and its ability to attract both returning and new visitors. He highlighted the importance of demand outside peak season and the appeal of the country's diverse offerings, reinforcing the strategy to extend the tourism season and position Greece as a year-round, multifaceted destination.

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Particularly significant are both the demand recorded beyond the peak of the summer season and the highlighting of the variety of experiences the country offers as a key comparative advantage.