2023 was a year that marked a significant return to pre-pandemic travel patterns. Countries that faced a decline in tourism saw a resurgence in visitor numbers, and travellers embarked on the long-awaited bucket list trips they had meticulously planned.
According to Google’s ‘Year in Search’ data, Greece was the most Googled country in 2023. The country’s allure has continued to captivate and enchant travellers with its dazzling whitewashed Mykonos landscape, Kefalonia’s enchanting allure, and world-class bars and culinary scenes in Athens. Greece’s popularity is set to continue in 2024, with visitors expected to indulge in mesmerising sunsets in Santorini’s volcanic caldera, discover secluded beaches in Corfu, or bask in the late-summer glow of Crete.
Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Croatia also made the top five most Googled countries for 2023, indicating a solid resurgence in travel to Europe. Thailand, Egypt, Malta, and Morocco were also included in the top 10 most searched destinations, showing a strong interest in exotic, far-flung destinations.
Cyprus was the sixth most Googled country in 2023, with Ayia Napa being the top-searched destination. The island nation offers a vibrant cultural melting pot, jagged mountains adorned with pristine snow, velvety beaches caressed by the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, and a diverse array of delectable Cypriot cuisine spread across the island. Nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the sea, renowned for its exceptional wreck dives. At the same time, history fans can marvel at Byzantine churches, and wine enthusiasts can indulge in tastings at the nation’s lush vineyards.
According to Google, Rhodes emerged as the top-searched destination for travel cities and islands in 2023. Despite still being in the process of recovering from catastrophic fires the previous year, the island’s allure continues to captivate travellers, demonstrating its inherent beauty. To revitalise tourism in Rhodes, the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, appeared on UK television and extended an offer to cover the expenses of week-long holidays for those affected by the devastating fires of the previous summer.
Overall, the ‘Year in Search’ data suggests that 2023 marked a significant return to pre-pandemic travel patterns, with countries that faced a decline in tourism experiencing a resurgence in visitor numbers. The data also indicates a strong interest in exotic, far-flung destinations and a continued fascination with Europe’s diverse cultural offerings.
