Greece is bracing for another profitable tourism season as early booking data reveals strong interest from German travelers for the 2024/2025 period. According to Travel Data Analytics, bookings by Germans for holiday trips organized as packages or building blocks soared to nearly €2 billion during the booking month of November 2024, reflecting a commendable 9% increase over the same month last year.
The outlook for Greece looks promising, as Germans are showing no signs of curbing their travel plans. The data indicates they are aiming for getaways not just to Greece, but also to Spain, Turkey, and Egypt, which altogether comprise 60% of bookings this November. Specifically, holiday bookings for the tourist year 24/25 have already increased by 18% compared to previous figures, signaling significant enthusiasm for summer 2025.
Travel Data Analytics noted, “For the 24/25 tourist year as a whole, Germans are not letting their travel appetite be spoiled and have planned getaways to Spain, Turkey, Egypt and Greece.” This trend emphasizes the resilience of the travel market, particularly among German tourists who remain drawn to these destinations due to attractive offerings and competitive pricing.
November's data showed 56% of the bookings were for summer 2025, covering the months from May to September, offering insights on travelers' planning behavior. It's notable, though, to keep one eye on the winter season. Bookings for winter 2024 were also considerable, with 72% already secured by the end of November, marking a 14% increase from winter 23/24. The most sought-after destinations this winter were led by Spain's Canary Islands, followed closely by Egypt and Turkey.
Turkey particularly outperformed this year, reporting a remarkable growth of 37% over the prior year. Meanwhile, Egypt seems to be recovering strength amid uncertainty, as its tourism authority has been actively promoting its appeal, particularly to families—a sector experiencing rapid growth, as Egypt increased bookings by 30% compared to last year.
A significant theme at play here is the impact of promotional periods like Black Week, which saw TDA report exceptional activity. During this week, bookings surged by around €100 million, exceeding typical sales for November weeks by 20%. This kind of momentum suggests the effectiveness of targeted marketing efforts aimed at early bookers.
Looking at individual destinations, Greece's iconic status remains unparalleled. With early travel tastes skewing toward tranquil islands and picturesque scenery, it appears travelers are once again favoring resorts along the Aegean and Ionian seas. These preferences indicate consumer trust and loyalty, coaxing them back to the Greek islands, particularly Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete, for their unique offerings of leisure and luxury.
While other contenders like Egypt and Turkey vie for tourists’ attention, the historical and cultural allure of Greece remains hard to match. Travelers seeking rich history, stunning landscapes, and exquisite cuisine retain Greece as their focal point for holidays. TDA has noted this mixed dynamic of growing competition and enduring favoritism observed over the years.
Travelers are flocking to the luxurious adults-only hotels scattered across Greek islands, signaling strong demand for higher-end accommodations. The focus on relaxation and exclusivity appeals to many, accentuating the country's diversity and ability to cater to varying travel styles.
Observers are maintaining high hopes for Greece's tourism industry as we head toward 2025. The early booking phase is always indicative of what to expect in the coming months. With positive growth trends exhibited during 2024 and Germans leading the demand, tourism stakeholders remain optimistic.
Looking forward, industry experts suggest maintaining marketing strategies to capitalize on early demand patterns. It's clear: Nobody wants to realize later on during the season when bookings flatten out, especially when performance metrics do not yield anticipated results.
Through cultivated anticipation of the upcoming ski season and promotional efforts, Greece's tourism authorities are poised to sustain this enthusiasm. The upcoming months will be telling as they work to keep momentum alive, capturing the interest not just of German travelers but of global tourists eager to explore Greece's unparalleled beauty.