Tourism leaders in northern Greece are voicing restrained concern as warfare sends shockwaves through global travel markets just weeks before the summer season begins. With the Middle East in flames and regional airspace turned into a "minefield" amid aerial strikes and counterstrikes, industry representatives warn that prolonged instability could affect Greece's most important economic engine, tourism. Although Greece is widely perceived as a haven, the sector remains on alert.
As one industry assessment notes, "as is the case in crises of similar scale, it is still too early to estimate how much the new crisis may affect Greek tourism." Market executives stress that if de-escalation comes quickly, the impact is likely to be limited mainly to operational costs such as fuel and logistics. A prolonged conflict, however, could "radically change the map of travel decisions for 2026."
Grigoris Tasios, vice-president of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and president of the Halkidiki Hoteliers Association, points out that the sector is no stranger to geopolitical turbulence. Over the past three decades, it has weathered wars in the Gulf, Yugoslavia, Ukraine and the Middle East. "It is not the first time we are experiencing such a situation," he says, though everything will depend on the duration of the current crisis and on source markets, including the US and the Middle East.
Israel represents Greece's most immediate exposure. In recent years, it has become one of the most dynamic inbound markets, particularly for Thessaloniki. Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia account for smaller but high-spending visitor flows. In times of tension, road tourism in northern Greece is seen as offering travellers an added sense of security.
Andreas Mandrinos, president of the Thessaloniki Hoteliers Association, acknowledges that some visitors may freeze or postpone travel plans. Some may simply say, "Let's leave it for next year." He adds, "Certainly, the current situation in the Middle East affects Greek tourism. The shorter it lasts, the better." While there are currently Israeli visitors in Thessaloniki, their numbers are limited.
Attention is now focused on ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade fair, which runs until Thursday. Industry representatives hope the event will clarify whether international tour operators adopt a wait-and-see approach or revise eastern Mediterranean programmes for the upcoming season.
By Lina Tsireka - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
