Tourism flow between Türkiye and Greece on the rise
The Turkish Hoteliers Association (TÜROB) has released a research report on Greece, one of Türkiye’s most important tourism markets, revealing a significant increase in bilateral tourism activity in 2025.
According to the report, an estimated 1.4 million Turkish citizens are expected to visit Greece, while 800,000 Greek tourists are projected to travel to Turkey this year. These figures mark a substantial increase from 2024, when 1.2 million Turks visited Greece and 707,000 Greeks traveled to Türkiye.
To further boost mutual tourism, the report emphasized the importance of continuing reciprocal promotional efforts. In this context, Türkiye’s participation in the Philoxenia Tourism Fair, to be held in Thessaloniki from November 14 to 16, was highlighted as a valuable opportunity.
The report also listed the most preferred destinations in Türkiye among Greek tourists, including Istanbul, Edirne, Cappadocia, Bursa, Ayvalık, İzmir, and Trabzon.
With an increase in direct flight options between the two countries, the introduction of low-cost flights from Athens and Thessaloniki—comparable to EU-level pricing—was noted as a key factor that could positively impact mutual tourist flows. The launch of routes by Sky Express Airlines between Greece and Turkey was also described as a positive development.
Türkiye: The Second Most Preferred Destination for Greek Travelers
TÜROB’s report also underlined that the tourism products offered by Türkiye and Greece should be seen as complementary rather than competitive. It proposed the creation of joint travel packages especially targeting long-haul markets, which could help both countries tap into broader international tourism demand.
Despite long-standing discussions, the report noted that joint actions are still needed to establish cross-border package offerings, leveraging the extensive connectivity provided by Turkish Airlines (THY) and other Star Alliance members.
Another issue raised was the slow religious event permit process in Cappadocia for visiting groups. The report called for a return to previous practices, where provincial culture and tourism directorates processed such applications more efficiently.
In 2024, Greece received 21.8 million tourists from EU countries and 14.1 million from non-EU countries. Turkish visitors accounted for approximately 1 billion euros in tourism revenue, placing Türkiye as the second most popular foreign destination for Greek citizens.
Continued Promotion Urged
The report also referenced the “GoTurkiye Destination Promotion Event” workshops held in Athens and Thessaloniki, which were co-organized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), the Turkish Cultural Promotion Office in Greece, TÜROB, and several Greek travel industry associations.
Participants included Ambassador Çağatay Erciyes, Consul General Serkan Gedik, Cultural Attaché Prof. Dr. Veli Aydın, TGA Country Marketing Director Zeynep Üçok Çelikağ, TÜROB President Müberra Eresin, and Lisandros Tsilidis, President of the Greek Federation of Travel Agencies (FedHATTA).
Turkish hotel and travel agency representatives met with their Greek counterparts to explore cooperation opportunities.
TÜROB President Müberra Eresin reiterated the importance of sustained promotion and thanked the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and TGA for their support. She stated, “The overall tourism potential between the two countries can reach 3 million travelers. However, this target is only achievable if travel alternatives are effectively utilized.”
PHOTO: AA
