In orbit of constant rise moves the short -term lease in Greece in 2025, according to the latest data of INSE. Available beds exceeded the one million barrier for the first time since April, while enhancing demand and significant increase in completeness, despite a decrease in average residence. The sovereignty of foreign visitors is reinforced, while the Ministry of Tourism sets for the first time quality and functional specifications in accommodation in the context of a strategic sustainable tourism development.

In more detail, the January 2025 recorded 213,000 accommodation, up 23,000 compared to the 190,000 January 2024 accommodation.

Him Februarythe available accommodation amounted to 216,000 of the 196,000 of the corresponding month of 2024 (+20,000 compared to the previous year).

Him Marchthe number of accommodation amounted to 222,000, compared to 204 thousand, 2024 (18,000 increase).

The second quarter of the year began with a rise as April 228,000 accommodation was recorded, up 16,000 compared to April 2024 (212,000 accommodation). This increase further enhances the upward trajectory of the first trimester.

Available beds

Corresponding is the course of the number of available beds. Specifically, the number of short -term leasing beds at national level recorded a steady upward trend in the first quarter of 2025, continuing the positive trend of 2024.

Him Januarythe available beds amounted to 947,000, increased by 101,000 compared to 845,000 beds of January 2024. February961,000 beds (+84,000) were recorded against 877,000 of 2024.

Finally, Marchthe number of beds reached 981,000 (+75,000 compared to 906,000 March 2024).

The second quarter began with a strong rise, as April 1 million beds were recorded compared to the 936,000 beds of April 2024 (+72,000 beds). It is noteworthy that for the first time in 2025 the number of beds available exceeded 1 million since April, while last year the corresponding limit was recorded only in July, which is also a peak month for tourism.

Completeness

The analysis of the fullness of accommodation for the first quarter of 2025 records an increase in the first two months and stabilizing in March, compared to the corresponding period of 2024, despite the increase in accommodation and beds offered. In particular, in January, the fullness stood at 14%, increasing +2 percentage points compared to 2024 (12%). In February, the increase was more intense, with the fullness of 15%, compared to 10% last year. Finally, in March, the fullness was kept at 17%, similar to March 2024 (16%). In the second quarter began with further improvement, as in April the fullness stood at 26%, increased by 3 percentage points compared to 23% of April 2024, confirming the positive course of demand for short -term lease.

The reverse course follows the average duration of stay. Specifically, the average stay in accommodation in January-March 2025 showed a general decrease compared to the corresponding period of 2024. In January, the average duration stood at 3.1 nights, decreased by 3.1% compared to 3.2 of 2024. -11.1% from 3.6 of 2024. Finally, in March, the average stay was 3.4 nights, down 2.9% compared to 3.5 of 2024. At the start of the second quarter, in April, the average residence was 3.7 in April.

Regarding the structure of travelers in the short -term lease, in the first quarter of 2025, an enhanced presence of foreign visitors emerges, following an upward trend month by month. In January, foreign visitors made up 60% of the total, compared to 40% of nationals. In February, the percentage of foreigners increased to 64% while natives were reduced to 36%. In March, foreigners amounted to 69%, with the domestic percentage of 31%. The start of the second quarter further reinforced aliens’ sovereignty, as they represented 86% of visitors in April, compared to just 14% of the nationals.

New rules to ensure the quality of hospitality

At the same time, significant changes to short -term lease brings the new law passed in January in Parliament. The law is part of the overall strategy of the Ministry of Tourism on the qualitative development of Greek tourism in terms of viability. Ministry’s interventions aim, among other things, to ensure the quality of hospitality and as a whole of the quality of tourism offer in our country.

In particular, in terms of real estate for short -term leasing, new arrangements foresee operate and safety standards for the first time. Indicatively, real estate should be main use spaces and have natural lighting, ventilation & air conditioning. Have insurance against civil liability for damage or accidents that may be caused.

Also, have a responsible statement of electrician installer, fire extinguishers and tobacco detectors, interruption relay or relay relay relay. To have a certificate of myocratic and insecticide, a pharmacy with first aid items as well as a guide with essential phones,

Also, a framework for compliance with these specifications were established by the Ministry of Tourism or by mixed controls with AADE officials. This intervention by the Ministry of Tourism comes following previous government initiatives, such as regulating the taxation of short -term real estate leases, with the aim of creating an environment of healthy competition in the field of hospitality.

It is noted that for the current year, and with the possibility of extension, no new registration is allowed in the short -term real estate register, in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Municipal District of Athens.

At the same wavelength, the president of the Hellenic Tourism Business Association, Yiannis Paraschis, recently speaking at the SETE General Assembly noted that short -term lease is now a global trend that competes with classical hotels. “In our country, according to INSEOU, the number of short -term leasing beds probably exceeds this peak period of hotels. This uncontrolled development of short -term leasing in several parts of the country has sparked distortions both in the tourist experience and the daily lives of residents, ”said Mr. Paraschis.

According to him, the initiatives of the government and in particular the Ministry of Tourism in this issue in recent years have been remarkable. But SETE has a steady position in favor of a robust regulatory framework that separates professional from private activity, ensures tax equivalence, promotes the effective exploitation of the useful land and protects home and social cohesion. In this context, SETE has submitted specific positions on the issues of specifications, taxation and the necessary audits of accommodation offered by digital platforms.