ATHENS – Greece is hoping for a record-breaking year in 2023 as returning Americans and the world’s wealthy flock to the country’s luxury villas. Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias told the state-run Athens-Macedonia News Agency (AMNA) that pre-bookings for this year are already showing keen interest from foreign visitors, particularly Americans. Kikilias noted that air traffic at Athens’ international airport was higher in the first quarter of this year compared to 2022.

Greece is a leading choice for visitors and investors for real estate due to its combination of landscapes, history, beaches, culture and fine weather, according to a recent report by real estate brokerage franchise network Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The tourism season has already begun for islands in the south Aegean, particularly Rhodes, where the first direct flight landed on March 11, with American airlines United and Delta already operating. The government plans to launch promotional campaigns to sustain the interest, but Kikilias said they cannot rest on their laurels and must continue to work on improving the sector.

The report also revealed a significant increase in demand for super-luxury settings, with affluent individuals competing with each other to secure advance bookings to avoid being denied access and forced to search for lavish accommodations in other areas of the country.