Tourism is growing at an accelerated pace this season, with arrivals increasing by 5% in 2025 compared to the previous year. However, revenues are not moving at the same pace, as estimates so far suggest lower or similar income levels compared to last year’s record.
This development is partly due to the fact that accommodation in certain destinations, particularly on islands heavily dependent on tourism, is recording high occupancy rates, often reaching 100%, but room rates are significantly reduced.
This trend is confirmed by the President of the Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX), Giannis Chatzis, who told BD that “although hotels show high occupancy rates, revenue per available room has not increased accordingly, due to strong pressure on last-minute booking prices. This approach, while sustaining volume, limits margins because of the high operating leverage in the sector.”
Investments exceeding €1.2 billion in tourism
Despite the mixed performance of the 2025 season, investments in the sector continue at a steady pace, highlighting confidence in the resilience and prospects of Greek tourism. In recent months, three major strategic tourism projects with a total budget of over €1.2 billion have been approved.
The first project, with a total budget of €524 million, concerns the conversion of the NA.VI.PE. Platygiali port into a mega-yacht marina by ASTAKOS TERMINAL, backed by Alpha Bank and Piraeus Bank.
The project, named Nautilus Project, includes the creation of a marina in Astakos Bay with 350 berths, 105 of which will accommodate yachts over 40 meters. It also involves the construction of holiday residences with high-standard tourism and leisure services, as well as the development of a Business Park.
The second investment, worth €474.6 million, focuses on the development of a luxury, sustainable resort of high standards in Ermionida, Peloponnese, by Hydra Rock Real Estate, owned by Ioannis V. Vardinogiannis. The resort will include a 5-star hotel complex with 100 beds, specialized tourism facilities, 49 villas, 3 modern luxury mansions, and a Recreation Club with sports facilities, dining, and a small yacht marina.
Finally, plans are underway for the construction of an ultra-luxury eco-resort and high-end residences on Petali islet near Evia, with a budget of €224 million, by GH Hotel and Tourism. The project is expected to create 300 permanent jobs annually.
The resort will feature 300 beds, including a hotel with 20 luxury villas and 75 rooms, five of which will be specially designed for people with disabilities. The facilities will include a wellness and recreation center with a luxury spa, gym, boutiques, administrative offices, two restaurants, and a beach club.
Ακολουθήστε το Business Daily στο Google news
