By Letta Kalamara

lkalamara@naftemporiki.gr

Economic relations between Greece and China are showing renewed momentum in 2026, with Greek exports to the world's second-largest economy posting a sharp increase, Chinese investment interest remaining resilient and tourism emerging as one of the most promising areas for bilateral cooperation.

That is according to the 2025 Annual Report released by the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Embassy of Greece in Beijing, which points to developments that support a more optimistic outlook despite Greece's large trade deficit with China.

Bilateral trade between Greece and China exceeded €7.18 billion in 2025. Greek exports to China rose 68.1% to €697.2 million, up from €414.6 million in 2024. Meanwhile, imports from China declined 6.6% to €6.48 billion.

As a result, Greece's trade deficit with China narrowed by around €740 million, marking a significant improvement after years of steady widening.

Tourism is expected to be the sector with the greatest growth potential in 2026. The report describes China as one of the most important growth markets for Greek tourism.

Before the pandemic, Chinese tourist arrivals at Greek airports reached around 164,000 in 2019. After a sharp decline in 2020, arrivals recovered to 95,311 in 2023, signalling the return of the Chinese outbound market.

Chinese travellers primarily visit Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, the Aegean islands, Crete, Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.

They typically stay between five and eight nights, choose three- to five-star hotels and spend up to €2,500 per trip.

Notably, around 80% choose travel packages focused exclusively on Greece, suggesting that the country has established itself as a standalone destination in the Chinese tourism market, according to the report.

The report also highlights the growing number of independent travellers seeking authentic experiences, cultural itineraries, gastronomy and specialised tourism products.

Interest is also increasing in business travel, wellness tourism, retirement travel, as well as Greece as a destination for weddings and Chinese television productions.

The report says direct flights linking Athens with Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu are expected to play a key role in further expanding tourism flows.

It also argues that stronger promotion of Greece on Chinese digital platforms, simplified visa procedures and wider acceptance of electronic payment systems such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay could significantly increase Chinese visitor arrivals in the coming years.