Published on February 6, 2026
Travel between Greece and Ireland has been growing steadily. Before the pandemic, the number of people traveling between the two countries was relatively small. In the last few years, it has been growing rapidly. In 2022, 185,000 Irish travelers went to Greece, a 37 percent increase compared to the previous year. Ireland has been one of the biggest sources of travelers to Greece. The countries’ increasing number of flights has encouraged people to travel to Greece. In addition, people are looking for more personalized travel experiences.
Post-pandemic Greece is going through a dual tourism boom. In 2020 and 2021, Greece was largely closed to non-European travelers. The years of inaccessibility has resulted in a backlog of interest in traveling to Greece. This has been especially evident in Greece’s Irish travelers. The number of Irish travelers to Greece is growing rapidly. In 2022, Irish travelers grew 36%.

Air Connectivity Drives Immediate and Future Tourism Growth

A key factor driving the rise in Irish arrivals is the expanding air connectivity between Ireland and Greece. Airlines such as Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and Aegean Airlines have increased their offerings, with direct flights to major Greek cities like Athens, Heraklion, Santorini, and Corfu. As of 2026, Aer Lingus will continue to operate direct flights from Dublin to Athens, Heraklion, Santorini, and Corfu, while Ryanair offers extensive routes connecting Dublin to several popular Greek islands and cities.
This growing air connectivity is not just an immediate advantage for travelers but also has significant future implications for the tourism sector. As more routes open and low-cost carriers offer competitive pricing, more Irish tourists will have the option to visit Greek destinations. Over the next few years, this will likely lead to sustained tourism growth, especially as Ireland’s demand for direct flights to key European destinations continues to increase.

Diversifying Destinations: Broad Appeal with a Growing Focus on Lesser-Known Areas

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While Athens remains a primary destination, the demand for other Greek regions, including Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, and the Ionian Islands, is also on the rise. Irish travelers are increasingly seeking out alternative destinations, signaling a shift towards experience-led tourism. Greece’s diverse offerings, from idyllic islands to mountainous landscapes and historic towns, are poised to cater to these growing preferences.
This change in Irish traveler behavior suggests that destination diversification will continue to be a key driver of growth for Greek tourism in the future. As more Irish visitors venture beyond traditional hotspots, Greek tourism boards and tour operators will need to focus on promoting lesser-known areas, creating new travel itineraries that cater to niche markets. This will contribute to regional economic growth across Greece and help spread tourism benefits more evenly throughout the country.

Market Engagement and Future Growth: GNTO’s Role in Shaping Tourism Trends

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The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) continues to play a pivotal role in engaging Irish tourists and fostering long-term growth through events like the Holiday World Show in Dublin. This annual fair is a key platform for destination promotion, with the GNTO holding B2B meetings and organizing promotional activities designed to increase Greece’s visibility in the Irish market.
In 2026, GNTO will further expand its engagement through digital campaigns, influencer partnerships, and curated travel experiences, ensuring that Greece remains top-of-mind for Irish travelers seeking unique and experience-driven tourism. As digital content becomes an increasingly important factor in destination marketing, these efforts will have a lasting impact on how Greece is perceived by future generations of tourists. This engagement is crucial for maintaining Greece’s competitive edge in an increasingly crowded European tourism market.

Future Tourism Impact: Evolving Travel Trends and Long-Term Growth

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The rising demand from Ireland is part of broader tourism trends that point to a resilient tourism recovery and a shift in travel preferences. For Greece, these trends suggest that the focus on sustainable travel, personalized experiences, and lesser-known destinations will shape the future of the tourism industry. As more travelers from markets like Ireland seek out authentic cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Greece is well-positioned to meet this demand by continuing to expand its offerings beyond the traditional tourist trail.
Looking forward, the long-term impact of this trend will likely see Ireland-Greece tourism become more balanced, with a broader mix of leisure, cultural, and nature-based tourism experiences. This will encourage not only more visitors but also deeper engagement with the Greek culture, economy, and natural landscapes. Tourism infrastructure will continue to evolve to accommodate these shifts, ensuring that Greece remains one of the top travel destinations for both short breaks and extended stays.

A Bright Future for Greece and Ireland’s Tourism Relationship

The increase in Irish arrivals to Greece in 2025 is the start of a long-term positive trend in travel between the two countries. Greece will continue to experience increased travel from Ireland as air travel improves and more Irish travelers seek out personalized and immersive experiences. Greek tourism will continue to engage with the Greek National Tourism Organization to ensure Greece will continue to be one of Europe’s top travel destinations.
Future travel from Ireland to Greece will be sustainable as the travel experiences shift toward more sustainable and experience-led travel. The two countries will continue to develop and strengthen their relationship as the travel and tourism sectors become more interconnected and easily accessible.

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Tags: expanding air connectivity Greece Ireland, Greece tourism growth Irish market, Irish arrivals to Greece 2025 growth, tourism trends Greece Ireland 2025

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