Greek islands see tourism demand rise amid geopolitical uncertainty

Tourism officials in the Dodecanese report early signs of a strong 2026 season. At Karpathos, airline arrivals in May rose 21.3 % compared with May 2025 and 1.8 % versus May 2024, while local leaders stress quality‑focused promotion and extended season activities such as the Karpathos Adventure Festival.

Across Greece, bookings are increasingly made at the last minute as travelers respond to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising household costs in Europe. Industry representatives note that the country’s reputation as a safe Mediterranean destination is attracting visitors, with Zakinthos recording an 11.6 % increase in foreign arrivals and a 24 % rise in domestic arrivals in May. Hotels are offering discounts to fill capacity, while trip lengths are shortening, resulting in more “long‑weekend” visits rather than week‑long stays. These trends are prompting a reassessment of tourism performance metrics, emphasizing visitor spend and length of stay alongside arrival numbers.