Friday, July 25, 2025
As Greece surpasses China to become the leading destination for Indian travelers, a new study sheds light on the growing appeal of the country across major long-haul markets. With seventy-two point four percent of Indian travelers planning international trips in 2025, Greece’s remarkable rise aligns with increasing travel intentions from key markets such as the US, Australia, Canada, and China. This surge in interest highlights Greece’s competitive edge, particularly in offering a mix of nature and beach holidays that appeal to Indian tourists, while maintaining its strong position in other global markets.
Greece has swiftly become a top destination for Indian travelers, surpassing China for the first time. This significant shift underscores Greece’s increasing popularity within the Indian market, reinforcing its position as one of the top 15 travel choices for tourists from major markets like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The growing interest from India is highlighted by a recent study conducted by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE), titled “The Profile of Key Markets for Greek Tourism. The study, which examines travel trends from non-European long-haul markets, focuses on nations like the U.S., Canada, China, India, and Australia, all of which have played a significant role in Greece’s inbound tourism over the past few years.
In 2019 and 2023, these markets collectively contributed roughly 11% of Greece’s total inbound tourism revenue. The research, which builds upon an earlier study examining European markets, aims to analyze travel intentions for the next 12 months, along with insights into consumer preferences and the factors influencing their travel decisions. This report provides invaluable information into how these global travelers are considering their trips to Greece and what elements are driving their choices.
The findings of the survey are based on data gathered through an online questionnaire conducted by GlobalWebIndex (GWI), which surveyed 12,205 respondents aged 16-64. The survey was conducted in January and February 2025 and provides a clear picture of travelers’ intentions and preferences in key international markets.
Notably, India stands out with the highest travel intentions for 2025, with an impressive 72.4% of respondents indicating their interest in traveling abroad. This figure contrasts sharply with the U.S., where only 57% of respondents expressed the intention to travel internationally in 2025. Similarly, Canada and Australia reported strong travel intentions, with 69.5% of respondents from each country stating they planned to travel abroad. Meanwhile, China recorded a lower level of travel intent at 59.5%.
The frequency of travel is another notable trend, particularly in India. A significant 13.8% of Indian travelers intend to make five or more trips in 2025, a remarkable statistic compared to other markets. For instance, only 4.2% of Australian travelers and 9.9% of Chinese travelers have plans to take more than four trips in the same period. This high frequency of travel underscores the growing mobility of Indian tourists and their increasing preference for international vacations.
When it comes to the types of holidays preferred by travelers from different markets, Indian tourists show a strong preference for “nature trips” as their primary choice of vacation. These types of holidays appeal to 41.8% of Indian respondents, followed closely by “sun and sea” holidays, which are also a major draw for Greek destinations. Greece, known for its breathtaking beaches and scenic landscapes, is well-positioned to capture this demand, making it an ideal destination for Indian travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
For American, Canadian, and Australian tourists, relaxation and enjoyment remain the primary motivations for traveling abroad. The study reveals that 58.2% of Americans, 62.7% of Canadians, 51% of Indians, and 64.7% of Australians identify relaxation and enjoyment as their primary motivations for traveling abroad. However, Chinese travelers exhibit a different set of motivations, with 42.3% indicating that experiencing a new destination or culture is the most important factor driving their decision to travel. For Chinese tourists, relaxation and enjoyment come second, with 38.8% listing it as their primary reason for vacationing abroad.
Accommodation choices also provide insights into the preferences of different markets. Over 65% of Indian travelers and 73.5% of Australian travelers prefer staying in hotels and motels when traveling abroad. This is in stark contrast to China, where only 48.2% of respondents opt for hotels and motels. The next most popular options for Chinese travelers are staying with friends or relatives and renting vacation homes. These preferences reflect varying approaches to accommodations based on cultural habits and travel expectations in different regions.
In terms of travel spending, India’s increased travel frequency is likely to drive up overall expenditure on foreign vacations. The Indian middle class, with rising disposable income, is increasingly investing in leisure travel, with many looking for both high-end and budget-friendly options to make the most of their trips abroad. For Greece, this presents a significant opportunity to market both luxury experiences and affordable vacation packages to cater to this growing demand.
The data also highlights the broader implications for Greece’s tourism industry as it seeks to attract a more diverse range of international visitors. The findings suggest that Greece’s tourism infrastructure is well-suited to accommodate the growing influx of travelers from long-haul markets like India, China, and Australia. From luxury resorts to budget accommodations, Greece offers a variety of options that appeal to different segments of the global market. Additionally, the country’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and world-class hospitality ensure that it remains a competitive destination in an increasingly crowded global tourism market.
Greece has surpassed China as the leading destination for Indian travelers, with seventy-two point four percent of Indian tourists planning international trips in 2025. This surge in popularity reflects Greece’s growing appeal alongside other major markets like the US, Australia, Canada, and China.
Greece’s ascent as a favored destination in India is a testament to the country’s rising popularity as an international tourist hotspot. The growing frequency of travel among Indian tourists, combined with their preference for nature and beach holidays, aligns well with the offerings of Greek destinations. With strong travel intentions and a rapidly expanding tourism market, Greece is poised to continue attracting a diverse range of international travelers in the coming years. The strategic positioning of Greece as a competitive destination in India, Australia, Canada, and the U.S. is set to fuel further growth and success for the country’s tourism sector.
