Foreign tourists rated Greece higher than the European average during the peak tourist season, mainly thanks to its rich culture, exceptional gastronomy, seaside experiences, and outstanding hospitality.
Between July and September, Greece’s online reputation was overwhelmingly positive, with the Net Sentiment Index (NSI) – a metric tracking online discussions – reaching 27 points. This placed Greece fourth among summer destinations, following Portugal (56), Italy (49), and Croatia (48), and ahead of Spain (23).
NSI Recovery After a Slow Start
Data from the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE) highlighted a challenging start for Greece’s online reputation in July, with the NSI at a low 10 points, largely due to the impact of wildfires. However, the index improved in August (20) and significantly rebounded in September (51), following a similar trend for Athens as a destination.
Positive Highlights
The analysis revealed that Greece’s cultural and gastronomic offerings garnered the most online praise, with both scoring an impressive 82 points. Sustainability efforts and untouched landscapes, like those in Samos and Tilos, also drew positive attention, alongside cultural experiences and stays in luxury accommodations. While hospitality discussions were fewer, they still ranked third in shaping Greece’s positive image, achieving an NSI score of 61.
Environmental Challenges
On the downside, environmental and climate issues, such as fish die-offs in Volos, wildfires near Athens, and droughts affecting Southern Europe, negatively impacted Greece’s online reputation.
Tourist Satisfaction and Key Highlights
Overall tourist satisfaction in Greece during the heart of the summer season stood at an impressive 9.1 out of 10, compared to the European average of 8.8. Tourists rated the Greek workforce highest, scoring 9.4, followed by culture (9.3), gastronomy (9), and seaside experiences (8.8). Despite inflation, Greece’s value-for-money score was 8.9, a significant achievement for the peak season. Sustainability and hygiene received respectable scores of 8.2 and 8.1, respectively.
Top Ratings from American Visitors
American visitors gave Greece the highest overall scores, followed by Australians (9.4) and Canadians (9.3). British tourists rated Greece a solid 9, while Germans (8.8), French (8.7), and Italians (8.5) were also highly satisfied.
Regional Excellence
- Culture: Central Greece, the Peloponnese, and Thessaly led the rankings, followed closely by Central Macedonia, the Cyclades, and Western Greece.
- Gastronomy: Western Macedonia topped the list, with Crete, the Ionian Islands, the Peloponnese, and Western Greece tying for second place.
- Seaside Experiences: Epirus, the Cyclades, and the Peloponnese received the highest ratings.
- Hospitality: Attica, the Ionian Islands, and the Peloponnese stood out.
- Value for Money: Western Macedonia and Western Greece took the lead.
- Sustainability: Central Macedonia was most praised.
- Hygiene: Central Macedonia, the Cyclades, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace scored highest.
Source: moneyreview.gr