An insight into visitors’ spending habits and how many tourists are expected on Crete this year?
What tourists spend on Crete
Visitors to Crete exhibit a broad range of spending habits, influenced by their country of origin and individual preferences.
The upcoming tourist season, starting in mid-March, promises to be vibrant based on encouraging booking figures.
Historical data shows that certain nationalities tend to spend more on the island compared to others, with some tourists opting to use only the amenities provided by their hotels as part of their holiday packages.
Among the highest spenders are tourists from the United States, France, and Germany. These groups particularly contribute to the local economy through significant expenses on dining and shopping.
Current statistics indicate that American tourists spend an average of €232 per day, while the daily expenditures for French and German visitors are approximately €184 and €180, respectively. Such information reflects the patterns established by the Bank of Greece and highlights the financial impact of these tourists on the local economy.
Spending on Accommodation
The cost of staying overnight in Crete is notably high, with an average expense per night reaching €113. This figure represents a considerable increase of 29.7% compared to previous years.
These expenses encapsulate purchases of local products, including olive oil, wine, honey, and local cheeses, alongside dining expenses in various eateries.
Repeat visitors from Germany and France typically extend their stay over ten days. Even those residing in all-inclusive hotels choose to dine out at least three times during their visit.
Traditional Cretan taverns are popular dining options, and tourists often spend on mementos from local shops, such as miniature bottles of Cretan olive oil or honey. Conversely, clothing and footwear stores are not high on their list of priorities.
Younger tourists often allocate a significant portion of their budget towards nightlife and entertainment activities, emphasising their desire for diverse experiences during their holidays.
Lower Spending Patterns
In contrast, tourists from the Baltic countries tend to have lower spending levels in local markets. This demographic’s focus on essential expenses leads to minimal engagement with the local economy.
Average Daily Expenditure by Nationality
- Americans: €232 daily expenditure
- Germans: €184 daily expenditure
- French: €180 daily expenditure
In Crete, the variety and richness of local experiences attract a diverse set of tourists, each with distinct spending patterns that influence the island’s tourism industry.
The influx of visitors from various regions highlights not only the island’s appeal but also the need for tailored offerings that meet the guests’ expectations and spending capabilities.
According to TUI, Greece is among the top three travel destinations in 2025
Spain, Greece, and Turkey continue to hold the top spots as favourite destinations for TUI customers during the summer of 2025. This information comes from the group’s report, covering their performance in the first quarter of the financial year, which runs from October to December 2024.
For the upcoming summer season, average prices are currently 4% higher compared to the previous year. This rise in prices corresponds with a positive overall trend in bookings, indicating strong demand.
Recent figures show a 2% increase in current bookings relative to last year, demonstrating consumer confidence in holiday plans despite economic uncertainties.
During the period from October to December, TUI observed a 6% increase in the number of travellers, reaching a total of 3.7 million. This increase has contributed to a significant rise in TUI’s revenue, which reached €4.9 billion, marking a 13% increase.
The group’s underlying earnings before tax and interest also rose sharply, moving from €6 million in the same period last year to €50.9 million this year.
The number of travellers opting for dynamic holiday packages saw a notable increase of 18%, totalling around 700,000. TUI’s forecasts suggest there are substantial growth opportunities in this area moving forward.
This positive trajectory in reservations underscores that consumers are prioritising their holidays, an assertion backed by TUI’s CEO, Sebastian Ebel.
Ebel commented on the company’s outlook, stating that the first quarter shows strong potential for further growth throughout the year.
He highlighted that individuals continue to place importance on holidaying, even amidst changes and financial risks. The sectors related to hotels and cruises are also seeing continuous growth and are proving to be particularly profitable.
TUI is undergoing a transformation aimed at enhancing its operations in key European markets.
To reduce dependency on Europe, the company is shifting its focus towards new emerging markets in Southeast Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
This strategic positioning allows TUI to generate synergies between its various business areas, including markets and airlines, and its holiday experiences through owned hotels, cruises, and other offerings.
The TUI model prioritises the optimisation of its operational capacities, ensuring that consumers experience seamless holiday planning while enjoying a diverse range of options across different regions.
Crete is Expecting 6 Million Visitors
The new tourist season in Crete is set to be promising, with early bookings showing an increase of 4% to 5%. The president of the Federation of Hotel Directors, George Pelekanakis, has indicated that the island expects to welcome 6 million tourists.
These visitors will be accommodated in a total of 500,000 beds, which includes approximately 200,000 in hotels, 120,000 in rental apartments, and 180,000 through Airbnb.
This upcoming summer, tourists are likely to come mainly from Germany, the UK, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Italy, and Poland. The range of visitors from these countries showcases Crete’s diverse appeal.
Accommodation Setup
The accommodation distribution is essential for managing the expected visitor numbers effectively. The breakdown of the available beds is as follows:
- Hotels: 200,000 beds
- Rental Apartments: 120,000 beds
- Airbnb Listings: 180,000 beds
This diverse range of accommodation options ensures that tourists can find suitable lodging according to their preferences and budgets.
Staffing Challenges
Despite the optimistic outlook for tourist arrivals, significant staffing shortages remain a challenge.
There are currently over 5,000 unfilled positions in the hospitality sector. George Pelekanakis has suggested that this situation is likely to persist, with employers increasing salaries to attract staff.
The staffing crisis poses a risk to service quality during the busy season.
The looming operation of the new airport in Kasteli will require an additional 7,500 workers. This development indicates the necessity for substantial recruitment efforts to prepare for the increased influx of visitors and operational demands.
Impact on Local Tourism
The situation in Crete echoes broader challenges faced by several popular tourist destinations.
Referring to the recent developments in Santorini, Pelekanakis expressed concerns about potential negative impacts on tourism in that renowned location.
His aim is to ensure that the local tourism industry in Crete remains robust and can handle the expected number of tourists efficiently.
Conclusion
Crete’s tourism sector is gearing up for a busy season filled with opportunities. With expectations set at 6 million visitors and a large variety of accommodation options available, local businesses are preparing to welcome guests from various countries. However, addressing the staffing challenges will be vital for ensuring that this promising season translates into a successful experience for all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical costs that tourists incur while in Crete?
Visitors to Crete commonly face several expenses.
These may include accommodation, food and dining, transportation, souvenirs, and entry fees to attractions. Understanding these costs helps tourists manage their budgets effectively during their stay.
Where do visitors usually spend their money when holidaying in Crete?
Travellers often allocate their funds to various aspects of their visit.
Key areas of spending include local restaurants, shops for souvenirs, cultural activities, and transport options like car rentals or public transport. These choices can significantly enhance their overall experience of the island.
What are the primary spending categories for tourists in Crete?
The most significant categories of expenditure for tourists typically include:
- Accommodation: Hotels and rentals
- Food: Dining at restaurants and cafes
- Transportation: Car hires and public transport
- Activities: Tours and excursions
- Shopping: Local crafts and products
How much do travellers typically pay for accommodation in Crete?
Accommodation costs in Crete can vary widely, with an average expenditure being around £80 per night.
Factors influencing the price include the location, season, and type of lodging, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.
What is the typical price range for dining out in Crete?
Dining out in Crete generally ranges from £10 to £30 per meal, depending on the type of restaurant.
Local tavernas may offer more budget-friendly options, while fine dining establishments will be on the higher end of the scale.
Which tourist attractions in Crete see the highest spending?
Attractions that attract significant spending usually include historical sites, museums, and natural parks.
Places like the Palace of Knossos and the Samaria Gorge are notable for drawing large crowds and inspiring visitors to invest in guided tours and entry fees.
