Saturday, May 17, 2025

Greece is set to experience an unprecedented tourism surge in 2025, with 1.4 million Turkish visitors expected to explore its stunning destinations, marking a record for bilateral tourism between the two nations. This surge is not just a milestone but a powerful catalyst for economic growth and strengthened cultural ties. With the combined tourism potential reaching 3 million visitors, Greece is poised to unlock transformative opportunities that will elevate both nations’ economic and tourism sectors, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual prosperity.

A record 1.4 million Turkish tourists are expected to visit Greece in 2025, while around 800,000 Greeks are set to travel to Turkey, according to the Turkish Hoteliers Association (TÜROB). The increasing bilateral tourism between Turkey and Greece signals a promising future for both nations as they look to capitalize on their shared history, culture, and tourism potential.

The report indicates that the total number of visitors between Turkey and Greece could exceed 3 million by 2025. This growth follows a strong performance in 2024, when 1.2 million Turkish tourists visited Greece, contributing around €1 billion to the Greek economy. Meanwhile, the number of Greek visitors to Turkey reached 707,133.

Transportation infrastructure is at the heart of this expected growth, with the report emphasizing the role of accessible and affordable travel options between the two countries. Improving connectivity will be essential to achieving the target of 3 million visitors. The following recommendations are outlined for increasing the flow of tourists:

One of the most critical measures recommended is the development of high-speed rail connections, particularly between Istanbul and Thessaloniki. The creation of such services would provide a fast and efficient mode of travel between Turkey and Greece, allowing for seamless movement of tourists and creating an attractive option for visitors. High-speed rail links are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, aligning with global sustainability trends in tourism. The strategic placement of stations in key tourist hubs can further encourage cross-border travel.

While the number of flights between the two countries has been steadily increasing, there is a growing need for more low-cost flight options. Expanding affordable flight services from Athens and Thessaloniki to key Turkish hubs like Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir will make traveling between the two nations even more accessible. With low-cost airlines offering competitive pricing, more tourists are likely to be enticed to visit both countries on the same trip, potentially increasing tourist expenditure and boosting the local economies.

The scenic Aegean Sea offers an ideal setting for ferry travel. The report advocates for the development and promotion of ferry routes connecting the two countries, providing tourists with a picturesque and leisurely way to journey between Greece and Turkey. Ferries could provide a unique alternative to air travel, allowing passengers to enjoy beautiful coastal views while connecting with major tourist destinations. These ferries could also ease pressure on airports, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Turkish tourists generally flock to Greece’s famous islands and coastal cities, with Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens being the most sought-after destinations. The country’s ancient history, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant nightlife attract large numbers of Turkish visitors, who are drawn to the country’s rich cultural experiences and scenic landscapes.

Conversely, Greece’s travelers are most inclined to visit cities and regions in Turkey known for their cultural heritage and natural beauty. Istanbul, Edirne, Cappadocia, Bursa, Ayvalik, Izmir, and Trabzon top the list of favorite destinations for Greek visitors. Each of these places offers a blend of historical landmarks, stunning landscapes, and an opportunity to immerse in Turkey’s unique cultural experiences. Istanbul’s cosmopolitan vibe, the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, and the picturesque coastal towns all add to Turkey’s appeal for Greek tourists.

Both Greece and Turkey share a deep cultural bond, with their histories intertwined for centuries. This common cultural heritage plays a crucial role in their complementary tourism industries. From ancient ruins like the Acropolis in Athens and Ephesus in Turkey to shared religious landmarks such as mosques and churches, both nations boast a rich array of cultural and historical sites.

In addition to historical tourism, specialized forms of tourism like gastronomic and religious tourism are gaining popularity. Greek and Turkish cuisines, both renowned for their delicious, authentic dishes, attract food lovers from around the world. The combination of cultural landmarks and culinary experiences makes these destinations highly attractive for travelers looking for a multi-faceted vacation.

Tourism officials from both countries are increasingly focusing on collaborative efforts to strengthen their tourism industries. Recently, tourism workshops were held in Athens and Thessaloniki, where tourism professionals, government representatives, and diplomats gathered to discuss the future of tourism in both nations. These workshops are part of the larger “GoTurkey” campaign, aimed at fostering closer ties between the two nations and promoting Turkey as a prime tourist destination. Such initiatives have provided a platform for strengthening diplomatic relations and advancing the shared goal of boosting tourism.

Tourism professionals are beginning to realize that Turkey and Greece can complement each other rather than compete. Both nations offer unique yet interlinked travel experiences, and tourism experts suggest developing combined travel packages that feature highlights from both countries. This strategy can attract a wider variety of tourists, particularly from markets like Asia and North America, which are showing increasing interest in both Greek and Turkish tourism.

For example, travelers could combine a visit to Greece’s idyllic islands with the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, or pair Athens’ ancient landmarks with a visit to Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Offering combined travel experiences could generate more interest, leading to an increase in both Greek and Turkish tourism.

Greece is preparing for a record-breaking influx of 1.4 million Turkish tourists in 2025, marking a significant milestone in bilateral tourism. With a combined tourism potential of 3 million visitors, this surge promises to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

With the right investments in transportation infrastructure, promotional efforts, and collaborative tourism packages, the tourism relationship between Turkey and Greece has immense growth potential. The shared interest in culture, history, and scenic landscapes presents an opportunity for both countries to expand their tourism sectors, attracting millions of visitors in the years to come. With a projected 3 million visitors expected by 2025, the future of bilateral tourism looks promising, offering exciting prospects for travelers and tourism professionals alike.