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General08:53 · 19h ago

Israeli Tourism to Greece Hits Record Nearly 750,000 Visitors in Past Year

MakoCenter
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
The story · English

In 2025, nearly 750,000 Israelis traveled to Greece, marking an all-time high and solidifying Greece as the top vacation destination for Israeli tourists. According to the annual report from the Greek Embassy's Economic and Commercial Affairs Office in Tel Aviv, 743,841 Israeli entries were recorded in Greece during the past year, a nearly 20 percent increase from 620,805 visitors in 2024 and a surge of over 264,000 compared to 479,163 in 2023. Israeli tourists accounted for 1.71 percent of all inbound tourism to Greece, up from 1.59 percent the previous year. Early 2026 data suggests this upward trend will continue or even surpass last year's record.

The appeal of Greece to Israeli travelers stems from its short flight times, abundant direct flights, and a diverse vacation experience that includes idyllic islands, vibrant city life in Athens, and excellent cuisine. Popular destinations include the Aegean and Ionian islands as well as major cities. Athens International Airport has also become a key transit hub for Israelis traveling onward to other European destinations.

Beyond tourism, Israeli investment in Greece remains robust, with 86 million euros invested in 2025 primarily in real estate, including hotels and short-term rental properties. Although this is a decline from 129 million euros in 2024, Israeli interest continues to support Greece's tourism infrastructure and economy.

Despite occasional political protests in Greece and Europe, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni reassured visitors that Greece guarantees their safety, emphasizing zero tolerance for violence or hate crimes. Tourism officials confirm that popular destinations remain welcoming and secure for Israeli tourists.

Greece's tourism sector, which contributes about 30 percent to its GDP, is experiencing unprecedented growth fueled by global visitors, including 1.55 million tourists from the United States in 2025. The country's popularity is also boosted by celebrity visits and major film and TV productions shot on location, enhancing its global appeal. Amid this international spotlight, Israeli tourists continue to choose Greece as their preferred holiday destination year after year.

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