Demand for travel from the United States to Greece is reaching new heights prompting an increase in direct flights for the upcoming summer season. According to representatives of the Greek tourism industry, U.S. interest in Greek holidays is expected to break all previous records, even as uncertainty surrounds American economic policy under President Donald Trump.
As reported by tourism officials, six U.S. airlines will operate 103 direct flights weekly between the U.S. and Greece this summer—21 more than in 2024. This includes a new route launched by Norse Atlantic Airways connecting Los Angeles and Athens, according to airline scheduling announcements.
Despite concerns over the impact of President Trump’s evolving tariff strategy, industry experts believe the hospitality sector in Greece will remain unaffected in the short term.
The longer-term impact, however, may be less favorable. According to economists cited by the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), sustained tariffs could reduce U.S. GDP growth from 2026 onward, potentially curbing Americans’ ability and willingness to travel. These economists warn that tariffs are likely to fuel inflation and increase the cost of imported goods and services, thereby reducing disposable income.
Tourism professionals also caution that retaliatory tariffs from other nations could raise travel costs for U.S. tourists abroad. As noted by several Greek tour operators, the recent rise in the euro’s value against the dollar is already making travel to eurozone countries more expensive for Americans.
Still, current trends suggest resilience among U.S. travelers. According to a recent survey by MMGY Global, conducted between April 3 and 5 among 1,000 U.S. adults, 83% of respondents said they still plan to take leisure trips within the next 12 months—down only slightly from 87% in February. The survey also found that 74% of participants feel confident about their household’s financial future over the next six months, while 70% plan to travel during that time.
“Even amidst economic uncertainty and unexpected political developments, the American traveler remains remarkably resilient,” MMGY Global CEO Katie Briscoe told To Vima.
However, resilience does not mean unchanged behavior. According to the MMGY survey, 80% of respondents intend to adjust their travel plans: 33% are choosing closer destinations, 29% are switching international trips to domestic ones, 24% are opting for cheaper transportation, and 22% plan to shorten their vacations.
Debra Brown, CEO of SmartBird World Travel, told To Vima that some segments of the U.S. population are already pulling back. “Retired customers are starting to cut or postpone trips, mainly due to falling investment portfolios and market uncertainty,” Brown said, as reported by industry observers. Even higher-income clients, she added, are rethinking their spending habits.
Nonetheless, other professionals report no decline in bookings. According to Royal Expression Travels founder LaDell Carter, political and economic turmoil is actually motivating travel for some Americans. “They are not postponing joy. They are prioritizing inner peace. And that, for many, starts with boarding a plane,” Carter stated.
For Carter’s clientele—often corporate executives—travel is seen as a wellness necessity rather than a luxury. “Our clients have a greater need than ever to disconnect from the noise and regain balance,” he said. Middle-income travelers, he added, may adjust their plans by choosing four-star hotels over five-star ones, or standard cars over private transport, but they remain determined to “get away.”
As the global travel landscape continues to evolve, Greece’s tourism sector remains cautiously optimistic, buoyed by strong American demand and an expanding network of direct flights—at least for now.
