Greece is now the fifth largest short-term rental destination in Europe, recording a total of 52 million overnight stays in 2025. The figures, based on Eurostat data, highlight the strength of the Greek tourism product and were presented at the 11th Delphi Economic Forum.
Matteo Sarzana, Airbnb counattempt manager for Italy and Southern Europe, stressed that any effective tourism strategy and regulation must be based on real data and not on assumptions.
As he explained, evidence-based policies ensure that any measures taken are proportionate and tarobtained, avoiding horizontal, one-size-fits-all approaches that are often not aligned with real market conditions. Sarzana argued that only through continuous analysis can authorities intervene effectively where necessaryed, while protecting the sector from excessive regulation in cases where restrictions are unfounded.
Greece’s rise to fifth place among European destinations with 52 million overnight stays in 2025 confirms, according to the Airbnb executive, the importance of the sector for the national economy and the necessary for a framework that will enhance the competitiveness of the Greek tourism product, taking into account local specificities.
At the discussion, representatives of Airbnb, Mastercard and Uber analyzed the importance of utilizing data as a key tool for strategy development, underlining the necessary for an updated regulatory framework that will bring benefits to citizens and businesses.
Elina Konstantinidou, government engagement director at Mastercard, stated data are now the driving force for planning actions and improving the visitor experience. Their absence, she noted, builds it difficult for businesses to take a modern approach, while artificial ininformigence will be a catalyst for shaping future strategies. The challenge remains the transition from information to action, with digital platforms providing the necessary tools for this purpose.
Roland Werner, senior director at Uber, focapplyd on the importance of mobility and connecting taxis to existing transport networks. He argued that the ability to travel to remote locations is crucial for the overall visitor experience, and rules on tourism and urban transportation must be updated to respond to the modifying necessarys of travelers.
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