Greece is among the five most popular destinations that Europeans choose to travel to during this year’s summer tourist season (April – September), accounting for 5% of intra-European tourism, according to the findings of the latest report, entitled “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel”, by the European Travel Commission (ETC).
In particular, Greece is in fourth place in the ranking, with a 4.9% share. At the same time, it is, together with Portugal, at the top of the list of European destinations that attract the highest percentage (21%) of new travellers, but also in second place, behind Spain, in the top “sun and sea” destinations.
In first place with the most popular travel destinations among European citizens remains Spain, with a share of 6.5%, Italy follows in second place, with a share of 6%, and France follows with little difference in third place, with a share of 5.9%, with the top four remaining unchanged, as in last year’s report.
6%, while it is the fourth most popular choice for British and Austrian travellers, with a share of 7% and 5%, respectively.
At the same time, it ranks fifth in the choices of French and German travellers, with a share of 5% and 4%, respectively.
Although the overall intention to travel is lower than last year (72%, down 3%), European travellers are planning longer holidays and higher budgets. In particular, 30% plan to spend up to €2,500 per trip, while 17% are considering spending more than €2,500.
Countries where travel intentions are strongest include Poland (80%), the UK (79%), the Netherlands (75%), Spain (75%) and Italy (73%). In contrast, the French (65%), Belgians (68%), Austrians (69%), Swiss (69%) and Germans (70%) are less likely to travel.
Increased interest in Eastern Europe
Travel habits are changing, with Europeans showing a growing appetite for event-based travel and a shift towards alternative destinations.
Traditional Mediterranean destinations show a slight decline in popularity of 8%, while interest in Eastern Europe is increasing, up 3% year-on-year.
Longer holidays and increased spending
Despite a slight decrease in overall travel intentions, 27% of Europeans intend to take three or more trips – a remarkable 6% increase compared to the same period last year – between April and September 2025. They also intend to extend their stay, with 42% opting for a holiday of 7-12 nights, an increase of 11% compared to 2024.
The increase in travel budgets suggests that Europeans continue to prioritise travel in their personal spending. Almost a third of Europeans (30%) plan to spend between €1,501 and €2,500 per person per trip, an increase of 7%, and 17% estimate they will spend more than €2,500.
Travellers who choose less popular areas tend to stay longer (38% plan trips of more than 10 days, compared to 21% of those who choose traditional destinations) and spend more, with many planning to spend more than €2,500 per trip.
In terms of spending priorities, accommodation is the top priority across all age groups (27%), followed by food and drink (20%) and destination activities (16%). Younger travellers aged 18-24 are more willing to splurge on shopping (15%) and luxury experiences (11%), while travellers aged 55+ place a greater emphasis on comfort, spending more on accommodation (33%) and food (24%).
Economic concerns are gradually easing, although they remain the main obstacles to travel. Concerns about rising travel costs due to inflation have fallen from 23% to 17% year-on-year, while concerns about individual finances have fallen by 3% to 14%.
Preferences in alternative destinations
Southern and Mediterranean Europe remains a top choice and is expected to attract 41% of European travellers this spring and summer. However, intentions to visit the region are lower than last year, as some travellers plan to explore alternative destinations. In particular, countries such as Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Belgium and Bulgaria show a slight increase in interest of 1%.
Within the selected country, established destinations – such as major cities, tourist villages and resorts – continue to dominate in popularity, attracting 53% of this spring and summer’s travellers. Meanwhile, 35% choose less popular areas and 13% plan to explore off the beaten track.
Environmental awareness is shaping travel choices
Climate awareness is increasingly influencing travel decisions, with 81% of Europeans saying that climate change is affecting the way they travel, up 7% from last year.
Travellers are adjusting their habits accordingly, with 17% monitoring weather forecasts more closely, 15% looking for destinations with a milder climate and 14% avoiding destinations with extremely high temperatures. This heightened awareness may be one of the factors driving Europeans’ interest in cooler or alternative destinations during the high summer season.
Source:
money-tourism.gr
https://money-tourism.gr/en/etc-greece-in-the-top-5-most-sought-after-destinations-for-travel-in-spring-and-summer-17-plan-to-spend-more-than-2-500-euros-per-trip/