In 2024, Greece witnessed a significant increase in Turkish visitors, with 1,153,727 Turkish nationals travelling from Türkiye’s ports to the Greek islands. This number marks an impressive 93% surge compared to the previous year, with 8,629 ferry routes operating between the two countries. The most popular month for Turkish tourists was August, with 296,980 individuals making the journey.
The surge in tourist traffic can be attributed to the new visa-on-arrival scheme that took effect on April 1, 2024. This initiative allows Turkish nationals to travel to Greece for short-term stays without the need for a Schengen visa, simplifying the travel process. The scheme has been particularly attractive to Turkish travellers looking for easier access to Greek destinations, especially in light of the rising costs of holidays in Türkiye.
Ferry routes from Turkish ports such as Izmir, Bodrum, Ayvalik, and Marmaris facilitated the influx of tourists, with many opting for the nearby Greek islands as more affordable alternatives. Local media in Türkiye have attributed the increased movement to the higher prices for accommodation, food, and drinks in popular Turkish tourist spots, making Greece a more attractive destination despite sharing similar coastal offerings.
Some Turkish media outlets have commented on the trend, with phrases like “We made Greece rich” being used to highlight the economic impact of the influx of Turkish visitors. There is growing concern among Turkish tourism professionals about the effects of these price increases, with calls for more competitive pricing to retain domestic tourists. Reports suggest that Turkish tourism entrepreneurs are hoping that lessons from this situation will prompt a reduction in prices to boost local tourism.
In addition to Greece, Turkish tourists have been travelling to other countries, with 185,892 passengers heading to Northern Cyprus, and smaller numbers visiting Russia, Lebanon, and Romania.
The visa-on-arrival scheme appears to have been a resounding success, with Greece’s Minister of Shipping, Christos Stylianidis, announcing that over 100,000 express visas were issued between April and November 2024. This scheme, offering a single-entry permit for €60, has been hailed as an effective tool to boost Greek tourism.
