Greek hotels are facing a wave of cancellations ahead of the Easter holiday period, as rising living costs and broader geopolitical tensions weigh on travel demand across the country.
Hoteliers report weaker bookings compared with last year, with industry representatives pointing to increased fuel prices and economic uncertainty linked in part to ongoing conflict in the Middle East as key factors affecting both domestic and international travel.
Lower occupancy in key destinations
In the island region of Corfu, hotel occupancy is currently around 85% for properties that remain open, according to local industry representatives. However, bookings are lower than in the same period last year.
In the southern region of Laconia, several hotel operators have decided not to open for the season due to a combination of cancellations and weak reservations. Industry representatives say early-year bookings initially showed strong momentum, but demand stalled after February, followed by further cancellations.
On the island of Spetses, occupancy is currently estimated at around 70–80%, with operators noting a shift toward last-minute bookings and a stronger reliance on domestic travelers.
Mixed picture across destinations
In contrast, the island of Chios is experiencing relatively stable tourism activity, supported by visitors from neighboring countries. Local tourism representatives report no significant wave of cancellations so far, describing demand as steady.
Shift toward nearby and cheaper travel
Across the market, tourism professionals note a broader trend toward shorter-distance trips, particularly from the Athens region, as travelers seek to reduce costs linked to fuel, ferry tickets, and air travel.
Industry representatives say that while demand has not collapsed, it is becoming more cautious and price-sensitive.
