Turkish tourists make Greece rich

As the tourism season approaches, all eyes are on Turkish tourists who will travel from Türkiye to Greece. For 2025, this means a decrease of approximately 7 percent in the number of tourists visiting Greece. In 2024, factors such as visa application upon arrival and the appeal of the Greek islands were noteworthy in the increase in Turkish tourists' interest in Greece.

While Rhodes appeals to visitors of all ages with the rich activities it offers, Chios is preferred as an ideal route for both seaside holidays and cultural trips. The other islands are used by holidaymakers for entertainment and relaxation.

Turkey has risen to 5th place in the list of countries that visit Greece the most, leaving behind the United States, while it is estimated that Turkish tourists will contribute 1 billion euros to the Greek economy. Former tourism minister Bahattin Yücel evaluated the first data on tourism for Haber Global Web Özel.

Yücel, who stated that there are also many daily trips from Türkiye to Greece, noted that this situation increases the numbers and made the following assessments: "Apart from the Aegean islands, there are many trips to and from Dedeağaç on the Thrace border. Since the food and beverage expenses are lower there, they are preferred for shopping. Our people prefer to go to Greece by land, and they go to Greece from Istanbul, Edirne, Tekirdağ and Bursa.

Turkey has lost its advantage and convenience. The Turkish Lira is not seen as advantageous because it is overvalued. The position of the US in the number of tourists going to Greece needs to be evaluated differently. The majority of US passport holders going to Greece are of Greek origin. In fact, they are going on holiday to their homeland. We can compare this to our Germans coming to Türkiye in the summer."

Bahattin Yücel, who stated that the hotel fire in Kartalkaya caused concerns about accommodation in Türkiye, said, "The public opinion was not satisfied with the investigations opened after the hotel fire. However, the most important factor in choosing abroad is still the economy. Since the Turkish Lira is overvalued, it has become expensive for tourists. Of course, we wish our Aegean coasts were preferred instead of Greece."

While 2025 estimates show that an average of 1 million 400 thousand people from Türkiye will choose Greece for their vacation; Yücel stated that this number could rise to 1 million 800 thousand, and said, "An average of 1 million of these tourists prefer the Greek islands, while the rest go to the mainland. According to the data, Turkish tourists spend an average of 1200 dollars in Greece. In this respect, Greece has made visas at the border very easy. However, domestic demand for tourism has also decreased in Türkiye."

On the other hand, the islands have come to the forefront among the most preferred routes by Turkish tourists in Greece in 2024. It is stated that Lesbos will attract the attention of visitors with its natural beauty and historical texture in the summer of 2025. Rhodes stands out as one of the favorite destinations of Turkish tourists with its historical castles, beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. While Rhodes appeals to visitors of all ages with the rich activities it offers; Chios Island is preferred as an ideal route for both seaside holidays and cultural trips.

Known as one of the greenest islands in Greece, Chios is popular with nature and history enthusiasts. Kos Island is especially popular with families and young tourists. While the island attracts attention with its coastline, water sports and nightlife, Athens continues to be an indispensable stop for history, culture and shopping enthusiasts. Thessaloniki is one of the important cities in Greece, frequently preferred by Turkish tourists due to its proximity to Türkiye and rich cultural diversity.