With the booming Indian economy translating into growth across all sectors, the country has also made its mark on global tourism with Greece rising among the favorite destinations of Indians. Its rich history, breathtaking views and cultural experiences that leaves its visitors mesmerized, has attracted the attention of increasingly affluent middle class & HNIs from India. Riding high on disposable income and the growing desire to explore international destinations, the resurgence of the Indian economy is making Greece an international hot-spot for Indian tourists in the foreseeable future.

India’s Booming Influence on Greek Tourism: A Growing Trend

As India’s economy continues to thrive, its impact on global tourism is becoming increasingly evident. Greece, long a popular destination for European and American travelers, is now experiencing a surge in Indian visitors. This growing trend is fueled by India’s expanding economic power, a rising middle class, and a growing appetite for international travel. In the coming years, Greece is set to become a major hub for Indian tourists, with the country’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty attracting a new wave of affluent travelers.

Recent statistics from the Institute of the Greek Tourism Enterprises Association (INSETE) underscore this trend, revealing that a substantial portion of Indian travelers are planning multiple international trips in the next year. Over 41% of Indian tourists intend to take one to two international trips with overnight stays, while 16.5% are planning to travel on three to four international getaways. More significantly, Greece has witnessed a remarkable rise in popularity among Indian travelers, climbing to the 26th most preferred global destination, an impressive leap of 13 places in just one year.

Indians Spend More on Holidays Than Their Western Counterparts

One of the key factors driving this growth in Greek tourism is the willingness of Indian travelers to spend more than their counterparts from other countries. Indians have long been recognized as high-spending tourists, especially when compared to other global travelers. In fact, Indian tourists are known to spend significantly more than American, Canadian, or Australian tourists. While the average spend per night by an Indian traveler is approximately ₹4,800 (around €50), this figure pales in comparison to the overall spending patterns observed in Western countries.

According to the World Tourism Organization, Indian travelers’ spending outstrips other international tourists by considerable margins. They spend up to four times more than their Japanese or Chinese counterparts, 140% more than British tourists, and 71% more than American travelers. This makes Indian tourists a highly valuable demographic for countries like Greece, which rely heavily on international visitors for their tourism revenue.

The Appeal of Greece to Indian Tourists

India’s increasingly affluent population is looking for unique experiences when traveling abroad, and Greece offers exactly that. Indian tourists are drawn to Greece for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Cultural tourism is a major attraction, with visitors eager to explore ancient ruins, historical landmarks, and the timeless beauty of places like Athens, Santorini, and Crete. Indian travelers also find the country’s world-class coastal resorts ideal for beach vacations and relaxation.

In addition to cultural experiences and coastal retreats, Indian tourists are keen on urban exploration and shopping. City breaks, offering both leisure and shopping opportunities, are particularly appealing. The allure of Greek gastronomy is another driving force behind the surge in Indian visitors, with food lovers seeking out the Mediterranean cuisine that the country is renowned for. Greek wine, olive oil, and fresh seafood are among the gastronomic delights that attract Indian tourists. Furthermore, luxury tourism is also a key draw, with many Indian travelers opting for upscale accommodations and exclusive experiences.

In addition to the traditional leisure activities, Greece is also becoming a hotspot for Indian destination weddings. The country’s breathtaking landscapes, picturesque venues, and romantic atmosphere make it a perfect choice for weddings and other celebratory events. The rise of cinematic tourism also contributes to Greece’s appeal, as iconic locations from popular films continue to lure fans and movie buffs from across the globe.

Accommodation Preferences and Travel Choices

When it comes to accommodation, Indian tourists predominantly opt for hotels, which remain the most popular option for overnight stays. However, many also choose to stay with friends or family, or even rent holiday homes, especially for extended trips. Hotels catering to luxury tourists are seeing an influx of Indian guests who seek high-end services, comfort, and exclusivity during their stay.

Air travel is the preferred mode of transport for most Indian tourists, both for leisure and business trips. With 90.6% of Indian travelers prioritizing comfort and luxury, air travel has become a key aspect of their travel plans. This preference for premium services aligns well with Greece’s growing appeal as a destination for high-end tourism.

AEGEAN Airlines Enters the Indian Market

In response to the rising demand from Indian tourists, Greek airline AEGEAN is set to expand its operations in India, marking a significant step in the bilateral tourism relations between the two countries. Starting in the spring of 2026, AEGEAN will begin operating flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Athens, making it easier for Indian travelers to access Greece and explore its many offerings. This move comes as no surprise, given the growing importance of India as a premium tourist segment for Greece.

The partnership between Greece and India is not limited to tourism alone. In recent years, both countries have deepened their collaboration in areas like trade, culture, and business. This cooperation is expected to further strengthen Greece’s position as a top destination for Indian travelers, with growing ties in multiple sectors paving the way for more mutually beneficial exchanges.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Greek Tourism and India’s Role

As India continues to rise as a global economic powerhouse, its impact on international tourism will only intensify. With increasing disposable income and a thirst for new cultural experiences, Indian travelers are poised to become a driving force in global tourism. Greece, with its wealth of cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-class hospitality, stands to benefit greatly from this trend.

For Greek tourism, the influx of Indian visitors represents an exciting opportunity to tap into a vibrant and lucrative market. The upcoming launch of AEGEAN’s flights to India is just one example of the country’s commitment to strengthening its ties with India and capitalizing on the growing tourism potential. As Indian travelers continue to seek out new and luxurious travel destinations, Greece’s role as a favored choice for high-spending tourists will only continue to grow.

India’s booming economy is driving a surge in Indian tourists to Greece, with its rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes becoming increasingly appealing to India’s growing affluent middle class. This shift highlights the country’s expanding global tourism influence and Greece’s rising status as a sought-after destination.

The future of Greek tourism looks brighter than ever, with India poised to play a pivotal role in this success. With the growing economic power of India, combined with the unique appeal of Greece, the two nations are well on their way to forging a strong and lasting tourism partnership.