Nikos Koyumtsis: Greek Tourism Breaks Records with 36 Million Arrivals in 2025

Greece’s tourism sector is on track for a record-breaking year, with over 36 million international arrivals expected in 2025, according to Nikos Koyumtsis, Vice President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). Speaking on Greek national television ERT, Mr. Koyumtsis emphasized that September 2025 outperformed even the peak summer months, marking a shift in travel trends and reflecting the country’s expanding tourist season.

“Athens and other Greek destinations are now extending their tourism season into the fall months, creating lasting value for local businesses and enhancing the resilience of our economy,” said Mr. Koyumtsis.

High-Spending Tourists Drive Growth

Tourist arrivals from the United States, Canada, and Australia were singled out as key contributors to this year’s success, due to their higher purchasing power and longer stays. This trend not only supports hotels and the hospitality industry, but also boosts retail, gastronomy, and cultural venues, especially in urban destinations like Athens.

“The quality and spending habits of visitors have changed in recent years. We’re not just seeing more tourists, we’re seeing better tourism — and that’s what matters for sustainable growth,” Mr. Koyumtsis noted.

Local Business Gains Shadowed by Unfair Competition

While tourism flourishes, Greek and European businesses face a growing threat from unregulated e-commerce imports from Asia, Mr. Koyumtsis warned.

He cited the massive influx of parcels valued under €150 — a threshold that allows goods to enter the EU without VAT or import duties. These packages, primarily from Chinese platforms, undercut local retailers, evade European safety standards, and pose consumer protection risks.

“This is not only a financial issue, but a matter of product safety, market fairness, and national oversight. Consumers are unknowingly buying items that may be unsafe, substandard, or even counterfeit,” he stressed.

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An Overwhelming Flow of Parcels

In 2024 alone, over 4.6 billion parcels arrived in Europe from Asian platforms — approximately 80,000 of them daily to Greece. This volume has overwhelmed both customs authorities and the regulatory framework designed for fair trade.

To address the issue, the European Economic Area (EEA) has proposed a €7 flat fee per parcel from third countries, aimed at leveling the playing field for European businesses and reinforcing customs controls. A memorandum has already been submitted to relevant EU and national ministries.

However, Mr. Koyumtsis noted that effective legislative action is not expected before 2028, leaving European retailers and manufacturers to contend with mounting pressure in the meantime.

A Dual Challenge: Growth and Regulation

The contrast is stark: on one hand, Greece is thriving as a global tourism destination, while on the other, its market is being disrupted by cross-border digital trade loopholes.

Mr. Koyumtsis concluded his remarks with a dual appeal: to continue investing in quality tourism, while also pushing forward coordinated European responses to e-commerce distortions.

“We must protect both our visitors and our businesses. Sustainable tourism and fair trade can — and must — go hand in hand.”

Source: pagenews.gr