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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Unleash A Tourism Frenzy In Greece With High-Spending Gulf Travelers And Massive Inflows From China And India Tuesday, June 3, 2025Greece is experiencing a seismic shift in its tourism economy as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia unleash a powerful wave of affluent Gulf travelers who, alongside rising tourist inflows from China and India, are transforming the country into a year-round destination and obliterating the traditional off-season lull. The surge in high-spending visitors from the Gulf has not only boosted luxury hotel bookings and upscale retail spending but also helped fill gaps in the shoulder and winter months, while nonstop arrivals from China and India have added volume and consistency to Greece’s tourism calendar—reshaping demand patterns, extending operating seasons, and pushing national tourism revenues to historic highs.Greece has stopped fearing the months once considered the dead zone. From September to May, what used to be the quiet stretch between peak seasons is now turning into one of the busiest, thanks to a new strategy aimed at attracting tourists from India, China, and the Gulf states. These travelers are arriving in rising numbers, bringing not only fresh energy to the off-season but also a significant boost to the country’s economy.Forecasts indicate that by 2030, over 100 million Indians are expected to explore international destinations, while Chinese travelers—already numbering more than 250 million annually—continue to span the globe in vast numbers. Meanwhile, affluent Gulf nations are steadily adding Greece to their list of favored getaways. This growing influx is reshaping the norms of global tourism. Instead of crowding into Greece during the typical summer peak, travelers from these regions seek experiences year-round. And Greece is adapting quickly, shifting its strategy to welcome them in every season.India Pushes Demand as Travel Patterns ShiftIndia has emerged as a driving force behind Greece’s rising international visitor numbers. While other European hotspots such as Spain, Austria, and Germany are seeing only slight upticks, Greece is experiencing a remarkable boost in Indian interest—growing by more than 18%. What sets this trend apart is the timing. Indian travelers typically organize their holidays around school breaks in May and June, return during the late summer period, and often travel again during the winter season. This staggered travel pattern stretches far beyond the traditional European peak months, filling hotels and attractions during periods that were once considered off-season.Many Indian travelers seek cultural depth, historical significance, good weather, and coastal beauty. Greece offers all of these, often without the overcrowding found in other tourist hotspots. That appeal has created a strong connection between the two countries, and Greece’s national carrier is working to build on this interest by preparing for direct flights to India. The airline recently acquired long-range aircraft suited for this route and aims to begin operations well before its previously expected timeline. This move could turn shoulder months into major earning seasons for Greek tourism.China’s Return Reshapes the Off-SeasonChina’s tourists have also returned to Greece with enthusiasm, helping fill flights and hotel rooms even during months that used to be quiet. In 2024, the number of Chinese arrivals reached 138,600—a 30% jump over the pre-pandemic figures of 2019. What’s changed is not just the numbers, but the consistency. Three major Chinese airlines now connect Athens to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Flights now run 12 to 13 times per week, up from just a few before the pandemic.Chinese visitors no longer see Greece as a summer-only escape. Instead, they’re arriving in every season, attracted by the country’s ancient landmarks, vibrant retail scene, and scenic coastlines. This consistent flow of travelers plays a vital role in strengthening Greece’s economy and easing its past dependence on peak-season tourism. In response, airports and hotels are upgrading services—introducing multilingual assistance and expanding facilities to better serve this growing market. For Greece, the resurgence of Chinese tourism signals more than just a rebound; it marks a significant shift toward a more balanced, year-round tourism model.The Gulf States Fuel Luxury Growth Beyond SummerWhile India and China bring high volumes, the Gulf states offer high value. Travelers from countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have dramatically increased their presence in Greece. Between 2024 and 2025, air seat capacity from Saudi Arabia rose by nearly 40%, reaching more than 65,000. Qatar expanded its flight availability by 3%, and even with a slight dip in UAE departures, total air seats from that country still exceeded 213,000.Gulf visitors often favor Greece’s luxury destinations, and they arrive with both time and money to spare. Direct flights to the islands of Mykonos and Santorini have risen sharply. Connections to Santorini alone jumped by 37%, helping turn the island into a year-round hotspot. Mykonos has seen similar growth. What used to be islands that wound down by early autumn now thrive well into October, with boutique hotels, restaurants, and private tour companies staying open longer than ever before.Altogether, the Gulf region now accounts for more than 387,000 annual air seats connecting to Greece, reflecting a 5.2% rise compared to the year before. This uptick represents a significant change in both the origin and timing of Greece’s inbound travel. As new flight routes expand and collaborative efforts between carriers and tourism bodies take shape, this upward trend shows no signs of slowing down.Greek Islands Embrace the Four-Season ModelThe transformation isn’t limited to numbers and schedules. Destinations across Greece are changing how they operate. Santorini and Mykonos, once seasonal gems, are shifting toward a four-season model. Instead of shutting down operations after summer, they’re now investing in longer-term infrastructure and extended hours to accommodate year-round traffic.For local economies, this means more stable income, more employment opportunities, and reduced pressure during the traditional peak months. For tourists, it means enjoying Greece without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of July and August. It’s a win-win that’s redefining what a Greek vacation looks like.From Seasonal Dependence to Global OpportunityGreece is steadily shifting away from its traditional summer-only tourism model, transforming into a year-round destination driven by global demand. By attracting visitors from markets with varied travel patterns and holiday seasons, the country is creating a more stable and adaptable tourism framework. Airlines are increasing route availability, hotels are extending their operational calendars, and cultural sites are staying open longer to accommodate the steady flow of international guests.This strategic pivot opens the door to long-term gains. It minimizes the risks of seasonal dependency, increases revenue in traditionally slow months, and positions Greece as a flexible, globally competitive destination. In an unpredictable global market, that kind of adaptability isn’t just useful—it’s essential.A New Era for Greek TourismGreece no longer waits for summer to shine. The country now attracts visitors from Asia and the Middle East all year long, filling its cafes, museums, and beaches through seasons that were once silent. As air traffic continues to climb and interest grows from new markets, Greece stands ready—not just for summer crowds, but for a 12-month season of opportunity.Greece is witnessing a tourism frenzy as high-spending travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia flood the country year-round, while massive inflows from China and India erase the off-season and drive record-breaking growth across hotels, retail, and cultural hotspots.The old travel rhythms are fading. In their place is a modern, global calendar where Greece remains a highlight no matter the month. Whether it’s an Indian family in December, a Chinese tour group in March, or a Gulf couple in October, travelers are proving that Greece has become a destination with no off switch—and no off-season.
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