Greece is poised to witness an impressive surge in Chinese tourists in 2025, as increased flight services and growing bilateral relations with China are set to drive the country’s tourism industry to new heights. Already in 2025, the tourism sector is gearing up for its third consecutive year of record-breaking arrivals, with both early spring visitors and an uptick in winter tourism signaling an exceptional season ahead.
Outbound tourism from China continues to grow, and Greece has quickly become one of the most popular European destinations for Chinese travelers. According to Travel and World Tour, the upward trend in Chinese tourism is evident, with Greece emerging as a prime location due to its rich history, scenic beauty, and cultural ties with China. The two countries have been forging stronger cultural relationships, bolstered by an increase in trade agreements that have made it easier for Chinese tourists to visit Greece.
In line with this burgeoning demand, several Chinese airlines have ramped up their services to Greece, responding to the growing interest in the country. One of the notable players in this expansion is Sichuan Airlines, which will launch a new route from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Athens in June 2025. This new service will include a layover in Constantinople, providing passengers a chance to break up their journey and experience another iconic city before reaching Greece. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is one of China’s largest cities, with a population of approximately 90 million people—nearly nine times the size of Greece’s entire population. This highlights the vast potential for Chinese tourists from Chengdu and surrounding areas to travel to Greece.
Juneyao Airlines has also recognized the growing appeal of Greece among Chinese travelers, taking steps to meet the demand by increasing the frequency of its Shanghai-Athens flights. Beginning on April 13, 2025, Juneyao Airlines will operate four weekly flights between the two cities, underscoring the airline’s commitment to serving the needs of Chinese tourists heading to Greece. This increase in frequency signals the airline’s acknowledgment of Greece’s rising popularity, as Chinese travelers continue to seek out diverse and culturally rich European destinations.
Air China, another key player in the China-Greece travel corridor, is expanding its operations as well. Starting in July 2025, Air China will increase its Beijing-Athens service from four to five flights per week. The airline will operate these flights using the Airbus A330-300, a larger aircraft designed to accommodate the growing number of passengers. This expansion reflects Air China’s recognition of the Greek market’s potential and the rising demand from Chinese tourists eager to explore Greece’s ancient landmarks and stunning landscapes.
The increased flight services are part of a broader strategy by Chinese airlines to enhance connectivity between China and Europe. China Eastern Airlines, in partnership with Juneyao Airlines, has strengthened its codeshare agreement to further improve access between Shanghai and Athens, as well as across other European routes. This expanded cooperation makes it easier for Chinese travelers to seamlessly connect to Greece, fostering an even more convenient and efficient travel experience.
The cumulative effect of these expanded routes and increased frequencies will be felt throughout Greece’s tourism sector, with Chinese airlines planning to operate a combined total of 12 weekly flights between China and Athens by the summer of 2025. This will be a significant boost to Greece’s tourism industry, following a 30 percent increase in Chinese arrivals in 2024. This growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including stronger air connectivity, positive experiences shared by previous Chinese tourists, and Greece’s continued investment in its tourism infrastructure.
As Greece becomes a top European destination for Chinese visitors, the tourism sector is adapting to the growing influx by offering tailored experiences that cater to Chinese travelers. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in Greece are increasingly offering services in Mandarin and other conveniences to make the trip more enjoyable and accessible. This focus on providing a more personalized and culturally sensitive experience is helping to solidify Greece’s place as a preferred destination for Chinese tourists seeking to immerse themselves in European culture.
The surge in Chinese tourism is not just beneficial for Greece’s tourism sector—it also presents significant economic opportunities. With Chinese visitors traditionally spending more on average than tourists from other countries, the increase in arrivals is expected to generate substantial revenue for local businesses, from luxury hotels and retail shops to cultural attractions and restaurants. The added focus on strengthening cultural ties between Greece and China further enhances the country’s position as a global travel hotspot, setting the stage for even greater collaboration and tourism growth in the future.
In 2025, Greece is set to see a powerful surge in Chinese tourism with new flight routes from Chengdu to Athens, significantly boosting air connectivity. This expansion marks a game-changing moment for the Greek tourism sector, unlocking unprecedented growth and attracting record numbers of Chinese visitors.
Looking ahead, Greece is on track to become one of the most sought-after European destinations for Chinese tourists. The expansion of flight services, the strengthening of cultural relationships, and the overall commitment to meeting the needs of Chinese visitors will ensure that the country remains at the forefront of international tourism. With China’s outbound tourism continuing to rise, 2025 promises to be another banner year for Greek tourism, driven by the rapidly growing number of Chinese visitors eager to explore all that this beautiful country has to offer.
Tags: Chengdu to Athens, Greece, Chinese tourism, Sichuan Airlines, Greek tourism, Chinese airlines, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
