Attica’s Tourism Demand Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels, New Study Shows, With Infrastructure And Service Upgrades Needed

Published on November 19, 2025

Attica’s tourism sector has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, according to a new study that highlights a significant rebound in visitor numbers. The region, particularly central Athens, is witnessing a surge in demand, driven by the increasing number of tourists flocking to its cultural sites, such as the Acropolis. While this growth is a promising sign for the local economy, the study emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure and upgraded services to accommodate the rising influx. This includes improving accommodation availability and expanding transport options, ensuring that Attica can maintain its appeal as a top European destination without compromising the quality of the visitor experience.

Attica, Greece, has seen a remarkable surge in tourism since the pandemic, surpassing pre-pandemic visitor numbers and creating new challenges for the region in terms of accommodation and infrastructure. This shift was highlighted in a recent study presented at a prominent tourism conference, shedding light on the growing strain on both the hospitality industry and the region’s resources.

In central Athens alone, the demand for accommodation has reached unprecedented levels. Currently, the area offers 73,000 beds, with nearly equal numbers of hotel rooms and short-term rental properties such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb. While hotels account for approximately two-thirds of the overnight stays, short-term rentals make up the remainder. This growing reliance on both types of accommodations has led to an increased competition for resources, with both sectors seeing substantial growth in bookings over the past few years.

The surge in tourism is not limited to accommodation demand. Cultural heritage sites, which have long been the cornerstone of Attica’s tourist appeal, are also experiencing significant increases in visitation. The Acropolis, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, is projected to welcome 4.5 million visitors in 2024, a dramatic increase from the 1.4 million visitors it received in 2022. This is not a short-term trend; in 2023, the number had already risen to 1.9 million visitors. Similarly, the Acropolis Museum, another key cultural attraction, is expected to see around 2 million visitors in 2024, reinforcing the broader trend of growing interest in Attica’s historical and cultural assets.

This surge in tourism poses significant challenges for the region’s infrastructure, which is already under pressure from the increasing influx of visitors. Accommodation is one of the primary areas facing growing demand. During the peak tourism season, the total number of available accommodation beds in Attica reaches 157,000, with around 84,000 of those located in central Athens. The region’s existing infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with this sharp increase in demand, prompting concerns about overloading services and facilities.

Recognizing these challenges, the study presents a comprehensive action plan aimed at addressing the region’s capacity and sustainability. The plan is multifaceted and takes a strategic approach to managing the growing number of visitors, ensuring that the benefits of tourism can continue to be enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. The first key element of the action plan is the development of a metropolitan-scale growth and marketing strategy. This strategy would promote Attica as a leading tourist destination while ensuring that its infrastructure and services are able to support the increased visitor numbers.

The study highlights the need for investments in upgrading tourist destinations across Attica. With cultural and historical sites such as the Acropolis drawing millions of visitors, it is essential to ensure that these locations can accommodate growing numbers without compromising the quality of the visitor experience. Enhancements to the infrastructure around these sites would help to manage tourist flows more efficiently, reduce congestion, and provide visitors with a more enjoyable and informative experience. These improvements could include expanded visitor facilities, better signage, and enhanced accessibility for those with mobility issues.

Another significant focus of the action plan is the implementation of a real-time visitor-monitoring system. This system would allow local authorities to better manage tourist flows, reducing overcrowding during peak hours and ensuring a more balanced distribution of visitors across the day. By tracking visitor numbers in real time, it would be easier to direct tourists to alternative locations or suggest off-peak times for visits, helping to alleviate pressure on popular sites and encourage exploration of less-visited areas.

In addition to these infrastructure upgrades, the action plan calls for enhancing the overall quality of the visitor experience. This includes improving hospitality services to meet the increasing demand for both luxury and budget accommodations, as well as offering a wider variety of tourism products. The region’s tourism authorities are encouraged to invest in innovative and diverse experiences that will appeal to a broader range of tourists. For example, the creation of new cultural, gastronomic, and adventure-focused tourism offerings could help spread the benefits of tourism across the region and reduce the concentration of visitors in certain areas.

The rise in demand for short-term rentals, alongside the traditional hotel sector, also points to the need for better regulation and management of the accommodation market. Ensuring that these properties meet high standards of quality and are part of a sustainable tourism model is crucial for maintaining the region’s attractiveness as a destination. At the same time, the promotion of responsible tourism practices, which emphasize respect for local communities and the environment, should remain a priority.

While the study presents a clear picture of the challenges facing Attica, it also highlights the enormous potential for growth within the region. The action plan not only focuses on managing current demand but also seeks to position Attica as a model for sustainable and responsible tourism. With proper investment in infrastructure, improved management of tourist flows, and the creation of new tourism products, Attica has the opportunity to continue its success as one of Europe’s premier destinations, balancing visitor satisfaction with the long-term sustainability of its tourism industry.

Attica’s tourism has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, driven by increased visitor numbers to key cultural sites like the Acropolis. However, a new study highlights the need for enhanced infrastructure and services to accommodate this growth.

Attica’s tourism growth is a testament to the region’s enduring appeal. However, it is clear that to maintain this success, a strategic and sustainable approach to tourism management is required. By investing in infrastructure upgrades, enhancing visitor experiences, and implementing smarter management systems, Attica can continue to thrive as a top global destination while ensuring that it remains an attractive and livable place for locals. The action plan put forward by the study is a promising roadmap to achieving this balance and securing the future of Attica’s tourism industry.