Irish arrivals up 37.4pc as Greek tourism heads for new records

Greek tourism is on course for fresh highs in arrivals and revenues in 2026
Travel receipts excluding cruise rose 11.7pc and arrivals 8.6pc in the first seven months
More than 20m tourists visited Greece in that period
Irish arrivals to Greece jumped 37.4pc
October scheduled air seats are up 17.1pc

Greek tourism is on course for fresh highs in arrivals and revenues in 2026. Travel receipts excluding cruise rose 11.7pc and arrivals 8.6pc in the first seven months. More than 20m tourists visited in that period. October scheduled air seats are up 17.1pc, supporting an extended season.

Greek tourism data from the Bank of Greece and the Hellenic Statistical Authority confirms that the sector is tracking toward record highs. Inbound travel traffic rose 8.6pc during the first seven months of 2026, reaching 20.43m non-resident visitors. Travel receipts excluding cruises increased 11.7pc year-on-year, totalling €13.52bn. Revenue growth has outpaced arrivals because average spending per trip increased, such as a 10pc bump in July, even as individual monthly flows like July arrivals showed minor month-to-month dips in certain regions.

Irish tourist arrivals to Greece saw a strong start and continued momentum through the 2026 travel season, highlighted by an early 37.4pc jump in Irish arrivals documented by industry reports. Direct air links for the 2026 season remained extensive across multiple carriers. Aer Lingus continued direct flights from Dublin to Athens, Heraklion, Santorini and Corfu. Ryanair maintained direct flights from Dublin to Athens, Chania, Corfu, Kos, Rhodes, Santorini, Zakynthos and Thessaloniki, plus Cork to Rhodes and Shannon to Corfu routes. Aegean Airlines continued nonstop flights to Athens. Multi-generational trips and solo travellers drove a large share of the demand from Ireland.