Greek Holiday Weekend Travel Down 5 Percent as Rising Costs Dampen Demand

Travel bookings for the Whit Sunday long weekend are running about 5 percent below last year’s levels, as higher transport and accommodation costs curb demand, according to the Federation of Greek Travel and Tourism Agencies.

Federation president Lysandros Tsilidis said interest in travel remained, but had weakened compared with 2025, primarily because the cost of short breaks had risen across the board. The three-day weekend, traditionally regarded as the first indicator of the summer travel season, is showing signs of softening.

Data from Greek travel agencies point to weaker bookings for long-haul and major trips, while shorter road trips, nearby mainland destinations, and budget accommodation are performing better. Island destinations, though consistently popular for the summer season overall, are not the first choice for this particular weekend, with many travelers opting for easier and less expensive options on the mainland.