Greek Travel Pages: Athens Wins Two Global Titles at the World Travel Awards 2025

The Greek capital of Athens received two major distinctions at the World Travel Awards 2025, reinforcing its status on the international tourism map.

The Greek capital was named World’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2025 and, for the first time, World’s Leading City Break Destination for 2025.

Develop Athens CEO Ioannis Georgizas attended the ceremony in Manama, Bahrain, alongside senior officials, highlighting the city’s efforts to boost its global visibility.

“These awards confirm the strategy we are implementing at the Athens Development Agency to internationally promote the city’s modern, creative, and sustainable identity,” Georgizas said upon receiving the honors.

The new global titles follow earlier European wins in October, when Athens was named Europe’s Leading Cultural City Destination and received the title Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board for 2025.

At a national level, Greek hotels, resorts and tourism companies also received multiple accolades at the World Travel Awards 2025, underscoring Greece’s standing as a global leader in hospitality.

International engagement

Athens’ distinctions reflect the municipality’s long-term strategy to position the capital as a competitive and sustainable destination through international partnerships and high-profile initiatives.

Large-scale events, including the This is Athens City Festival with over 300 cultural activities each May and the annual This is Athens – Agora tourism forum, support the city’s promotion of culture, authentic experiences and high-quality urban tourism.

“Athens consistently proves that it can claim and secure top positions on the global tourism map,” said Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. “Culture, extroversion, and sustainable development are at the heart of our strategy for an open, vibrant, and humane city.”

Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognize excellence across all sectors of the travel industry, hosting regional and global gala ceremonies each year to honor both individual and collective achievements across key geographical regions.