Home » TOURISM NEWS » US, Greece, And Europe Set For Strong Tourism Growth In 2025 As OECD Upgrades Global Economic Forecast, Offering Optimism For Travel Recovery
Published on
September 25, 2025
The US, Greece, and Europe are poised for strong tourism growth in 2025, as the OECD has upgraded its global economic forecast, signaling a positive outlook for the travel industry. This revision, which raises the global growth projection to 3.2 percent, provides optimism for the tourism sector, which is closely tied to economic stability and consumer confidence. With global travel demand expected to rise, destinations like the US, Greece, and Europe are set to benefit from a more stable economic environment, leading to increased tourist arrivals, investment in infrastructure, and the continuation of the travel recovery.
The global economy is showing stronger-than-expected resilience, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In its latest forecast released on Tuesday, the OECD raised its global growth projection for 2025 to 3.2 percent, up from the 2.9 percent estimated earlier in June. This update comes despite ongoing disruptions caused by trade policies, signaling that the world economy is managing to weather various challenges with more stability than anticipated.
Implications for Global Tourism
This upward revision in the global growth forecast is particularly promising for the tourism industry, which is closely tied to the broader economic performance and consumer confidence. As the global economy gains strength, it is expected that demand for both leisure and business travel will remain robust across various regions. In particular, the stability provided by a stronger global outlook is likely to have a direct impact on travel spending, as people feel more confident in their financial security and the overall economic environment.
The tourism sector’s link to economic performance is undeniable. As global growth improves, consumers tend to allocate more resources to discretionary spending, and travel often emerges as one of the top categories in which people choose to invest. With the OECD’s forecast suggesting more economic stability, travel demand is expected to rise across both established and emerging tourism markets.
European Economic Forecast and Tourism Growth
Within Europe, the economic outlook is also looking more positive. The OECD now projects that growth in the eurozone will reach 1.2 percent in 2025, a slight increase from earlier estimates. This revised projection signals stronger stability in the region, which has experienced a variety of economic challenges over the past few years. This improved outlook is expected to translate into greater travel spending within the region, with both leisure and business travelers feeling more confident about their ability to afford trips and experiences.
This stability is crucial for the tourism sector, particularly for destinations that depend heavily on tourism for economic growth. The increased confidence in the economy is expected to encourage more travel within the eurozone, as consumers seek both familiar and new destinations across the region. As travelers look for both short and long-term experiences, destinations within Europe are poised to benefit from an influx of visitors who are eager to explore and take advantage of more affordable travel options.
Tourism professionals in the eurozone are already reporting encouraging booking trends for 2025. Airlines, travel agencies, and tour operators are seeing a steady increase in advance bookings, particularly for destinations that offer a blend of culture, nature, and authenticity. This demand is not only driven by traditional tourist attractions but also by the rising desire for immersive travel experiences that provide a deeper connection to the local culture and environment. As consumers continue to seek enriching travel experiences, Europe’s diverse offerings place it in a strong position to benefit from this growth.
Greece: A Key Beneficiary of Growth
For Greece, the OECD’s forecast revision is particularly positive. The combination of steady European growth and ongoing demand for Mediterranean tourism is expected to translate into higher visitor arrivals to Greece in 2025. Major tourist destinations, including the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and Crete, are expected to see a significant uptick in the number of tourists arriving at their shores. These regions have long been favorites for travelers seeking sun, history, and the unique charm of the Greek islands, and they are likely to continue attracting large numbers of visitors in the coming years.
At the same time, Athens and Thessaloniki are emerging as increasingly popular year-round city break hubs. These cities are gaining recognition for their vibrant cultural scenes, historical significance, and accessibility, making them top choices for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and modern urban amenities. As more tourists opt for city breaks throughout the year, these Greek cities are likely to see significant growth in visitor numbers, which will further support Greece’s tourism sector.
Rising Investment in Greece’s Tourism Infrastructure
This positive shift in the economic climate is also expected to stimulate new investments in Greece’s hospitality and tourism infrastructure. As demand for travel grows, Greece is seeing increased interest from investors looking to capitalize on the country’s strong tourism potential. Industry analysts point to growing investments in luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and projects that emphasize sustainable tourism practices. These types of investments are crucial for ensuring that Greece remains a competitive and appealing destination for a broad range of travelers.
Moreover, beyond the classic sun-and-sea tourism model, there is a notable shift in consumer preferences toward more niche experiences. Wine tourism, hiking routes, and gastronomy have emerged as key areas of interest for travelers seeking more personalized and authentic experiences. These offerings are increasingly shaping Greece’s tourism identity, moving beyond the traditional attractions and expanding into areas that cater to a more diverse range of interests.
As Greece’s tourism sector evolves, the demand for these unique experiences is expected to grow, with the country well-positioned to leverage its rich cultural and natural heritage. The expansion of these niche tourism sectors offers new opportunities for both local communities and international investors, who are eager to tap into the growing trend of experiential travel.
Outlook for 2025: A Year of Strong Recovery
Overall, the OECD’s latest outlook for 2025 paints a positive picture for the global economy, and by extension, for the tourism industry. Despite lingering uncertainties, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of strong recovery, particularly for destinations that offer unique, high-quality experiences.
The OECD’s upgraded economic forecast for 2025 signals strong tourism growth in the US, Greece, and Europe, driven by increased global economic stability and consumer confidence. This positive outlook is expected to boost both leisure and business travel, positioning these regions for a year of recovery and growth.
The US, Greece, and Europe are set for strong tourism growth in 2025, as the OECD’s upgraded global economic forecast, raising growth projections to 3.2%, signals increased demand and optimism for the travel sector’s recovery.
With a more stable economic environment and increasing demand for both leisure and business travel, 2025 promises to be a year of optimism for the global tourism sector. As travelers continue to seek new and enriching experiences, destinations that blend cultural depth, natural beauty, and sustainability will be at the forefront of this growth. Greece, in particular, stands out as a key destination, ready to welcome more visitors and attract additional investment to support its flourishing tourism industry.
