By Christina Kousouni
“Greek tourism is confronted with an environment of permanent crisis, where geopolitical tensions, energy volatility, migration flows, and international economic pressures shape new challenges,” notes international relations expert and political scientist Dimitris Tzanidakis in an interview with Tornos News. At the same time, he highlights the strategic opportunities Greece has to capitalize on its image as a safe and stable destination, attracting new markets and strengthening its role on the global tourism map.
The full interview is as follows:
– Greek tourism is an important pillar of the country’s growth, yet in recent years it has faced intense geopolitical turbulence. What do you consider the most significant external threats shaping today’s tourism landscape?
Undoubtedly, tourism is a key economic and developmental factor for Greece. That’s why many often refer to it as the “heavy industry of the country,” in the sense that as a sector it generates significant revenue, creates jobs, and contributes to the economy, in much the same way a traditional heavy industry would through the production of goods and services. This characterization, of course, indirectly points to a sad reality: the lack of serious industrial activity in Greece for many years.
Tourism has always depended on and been influenced by international trends, geopolitical developments, and the global economy. Current tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East — especially if they escalate further — may affect visitor flows, casting the wider region as unsafe. Wars (e.g., Ukraine) drive up energy costs and deepen economic insecurity, influencing tourist arrivals. Similarly, uncontrolled migration flows, economic fluctuations, health crises, and climate change all contribute to a landscape of serious potential threats for Greek tourism.
– The Middle East, and Israel in particular, have been important markets for Greece. With the current conflicts and uncertainty in the region, how do you assess the impact on arrivals and Greece’s image as a safe destination?
It is clear that visitor flows and travel demand from countries in a state of war will decline. On the other hand, we are seeing a sharp rise in golden visa applications from Israel, especially after the October 7, 2023 attack. Applications for residence increased by 90%, translating to more than one million Israeli citizens. This can be explained by geographical proximity, the sense of safety Greece provides, and the long-standing bonds of friendship between the two countries.
In any case, if tensions in the Middle East persist, the loss of arrivals from that region will force Greece to rely even more on European markets and the United States.
– The war in Ukraine and “Trump-style tariffs” have created a new framework for international traveler flows. How “vulnerable” is Greek tourism to such developments?
Before examining the indirect consequences of the war in Ukraine, it is worth noting the direct ones. Before the war, the two countries together accounted for about 600,000 arrivals annually. With insecurity, sanctions, flight suspensions, and visa restrictions, arrivals have nearly disappeared. Since 2022, energy costs have multiplied, affecting flights, hotels, and transportation across the board. Naturally, higher operating costs are passed on to the consumer, making holiday packages, accommodation, and dining more expensive, which in turn dampens demand.
As for Trump-style tariffs, while they may not directly affect tourism, they have indirect effects. Trade wars create uncertainty, increase the cost of living in the U.S., and reduce Americans’ purchasing power. When consumers feel financial pressure, they cut back on long-haul travel, such as to Europe. For Greece, which in recent years has seen rising arrivals from American tourists, it is clear that trade tensions and economic pressure will constrain demand.
– Looking at the geopolitical map as a whole, do you believe Greece can turn these challenges into opportunities, for example by attracting new markets or strengthening its role as a stable destination in the Eastern Mediterranean?
Despite the geopolitical challenges, Greece has the ability to create strategic opportunities by consolidating its image as a “safe destination.” A wide-angle look at the map reveals tensions, wars, instability, and insecurity in North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and the Eastern Mediterranean — in other words, in our broader neighborhood.
Our country, as an integral member of the EU and NATO, as a modern liberal democracy, and as a land with thousands of years of history, is a pillar of stability and security. Targeting and focusing on new, dynamic markets such as Canada, Australia, and Asia (China, South Korea, Japan, India) represents a significant strategic prospect. At the same time, by further leveraging its religious and cultural profile, Greece can diversify and evolve its tourism mix and client base.
In summary, despite difficulties, uncertainties, and the now entrenched state of permanent crisis, Greece has the ability to capitalize on its safety, geographic position, and strong tourism brand to attract new markets and establish itself as the stable tourism pillar of the Eastern Mediterranean.
