Sadly, the impact of the conflict between Israel and Iran on Greek tourism is beginning to materialize, albeit on a limited scale. The recent involvement of the US in the situation raises further concerns regarding potential disruptions in tourist traffic due to an increasingly uncertain international atmosphere.
“Tourism is highly susceptible to geopolitical and economic instability. While the war in the Middle East has not yet led to widespread cancellations, it has already significantly curtailed the influx of visitors from Israel, a key market known for high spending and substantial contributions to overall tourism revenue. In 2024, Greece recorded around 700,000 Israeli arrivals, with expectations for 800,000 in 2025. However, this outlook is now in doubt, as there has been an 11% reduction in scheduled flights from Israel to Greece for the period of July to October. This trend raises concerns for the upcoming months, particularly if geopolitical tensions escalate,” noted Yiannis Hatzis, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers, in an interview with “N.”
Hatzis cautioned that the effects of the crisis will be more pronounced in regions heavily reliant on the Israeli market, including certain mountainous areas like Zagorochoria and specific coastal destinations that have successfully attracted Israeli tourists in recent years.
Nevertheless, there are no alarming signs from European and American markets at this time. In fact, there is growing interest in last-minute bookings, which indicates a broader trend and reassures that tourist demand remains robust despite challenges. However, the situation is still fluid and necessitates ongoing monitoring and adaptability,” Hatzis explained.
In Thessaloniki, a city with strong connections to Israel, the prefecture’s Hoteliers’ Association reports no significant cancellations, only minor ones.
Conversely, Rhodes is experiencing the most substantial impact, as Israelis account for the third-largest tourist group on the island. Estimates suggest that approximately 10,000 airline seats from Israel have been lost by the end of June, with similar losses expected for July. In 2024, Rhodes welcomed around 140,000 Israeli visitors, while this year, arrivals had only reached 25,000 by May.
