Global Tourism Growth Rankings: Greece Ranks 9th – July 17, 2024, 21:12:23

Greece Makes History Climbing to Ninth Place in World Tourism Rankings

In a historic turn of events, Greece has secured its place among the top ten countries in the world, landing in ninth place in the 2023 World Tourism Barometer released by the World Tourism Organization. This achievement marks the first time Greece has reached such heights in global tourism rankings.

The unprecedented shift in ranking can be attributed to the seismic impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry, reshuffling the standings of countries worldwide. Greece’s swift recovery following the challenges of the pandemic catapulted it from its 13th place in 2019 to the impressive ninth place in 2023.

Surpassing nations like Austria, China, Japan, and Thailand, who held the lead in 2019, Greece emerged as a frontrunner in the tourism landscape. In 2019, the country welcomed 31.3 million tourists, placing it in the 13th spot globally. Meanwhile, Japan, Austria, Thailand, and China saw varying degrees of disruption in their tourism sectors, with Greece emerging as a standout performer with 32.7 million arrivals in 2023.

The top eight positions in the global tourism rankings for 2023 were dominated by France, Spain, United States, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, United Kingdom, and Germany. Noteworthy advancements were also seen in the United Arab Emirates, which jumped from 19th place in 2019 to 12th place in 2023, along with Saudi Arabia climbing from 25th place to 14th place in just four years. Portugal maintained its solid position in 15th place.

In Europe, Greece shone brightly in the first half of 2024, registering remarkable growth in international arrivals compared to previous years. The continent as a whole experienced an uptick in travel activity, showcasing a 12% increase in overseas arrivals and a 10% rise in overnight stays according to the EUROPEAN TOURISM: TRENDS & PROSPECTS, Q2/2024 survey by the European Travel Commission.

Greece stood out among European destinations, displaying a 20.4% increase in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019 levels. Other countries such as Serbia, Bulgaria, Malta, Portugal, and Turkey also saw notable boosts in tourist numbers. In contrast, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania lagged behind, struggling to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Compared to 2023 figures, Greece ranked third in Europe for the highest increase in international tourist arrivals, with a significant growth of 24.4%. The country also secured the second spot for incoming expenditure growth, with a 25% increase from the beginning of the year to date, second only to Spain.

Furthermore, the rise in international air arrivals in countries like Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro, coupled with the contributions of Chinese and American tourists, added to the overall growth of tourism in Europe in 2024. These trends indicate a promising outlook for the tourism sector in Greece and across the continent.

As Greece continues to make strides in the global tourism arena, it solidifies its position as a premier destination for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Greece is poised to attract even more visitors in the coming years, further cementing its status as a top player in the global tourism industry.

By: Lambros Karageorgos

Source: ot.gr