Greece steadily occupies a place in the top five destinations chosen by Europeans for their trips within the Old Continent in an environment of economic insecurity and geopolitical instability.
According to the latest MINDHAUS survey on behalf of the European Travel Commission (European Travel Commission-ETC), Europeans’ willingness to travel remains strong, with 81% of respondents stating that they are likely or very likely to take some trip within the next 6 months.
This percentage appears increased by 4 percentage points compared with the corresponding survey last year, as 77% of participants had answered affirmatively to the same question. Only 10% say that they are unlikely to travel, while 9% remain neutral.
In fact, 64% of Europeans who will go on a trip intend to travel within the Old Continent by autumn, 26% plan to travel to a destination in their own country, 9% to a destination outside Europe and 1% remain undecided.
In any case, however, Southern Europe, including the Mediterranean countries and of course Greece, is at the top of travelers’ preference list, gathering a share of 61%, a percentage increased by 4 percentage points compared with 2025 and by 11 percentage points compared with 2024.
By contrast, interest is declining for Western Europe to 16% from 17% last year and Eastern Europe to 4% from 5% in 2025. Central Europe remains steady with a 5% share, while Northern Europe gained two percentage points, reaching 14%.
The characteristics of destinations
As regards destinations, 52% are looking for a less popular or remote destination, with major tourist destinations gathering 48% of travelers’ preferences, a percentage increased by three percentage points compared with the 2025 survey.
As for the period when Europeans are expected to travel, 42% are planning their first trip in the two-month period June - July. This percentage is up by 3.2 points compared with last year.
45% will travel in August or September, a percentage reduced by 2 percentage points on an annual basis, and 10% intend to travel in the two-month period October - November, corresponding to a drop of one percentage point.
In relation to the purpose of the trips, 76% intend to travel for leisure, 13% to visit friends and relatives, 4% for business reasons and 6% to attend a concert or some other event.
The traditional model of “sun - sea”, however, gathers 30% of respondents’ preferences, with getaways to urban centers gathering a 14% share, the same as cultural tourism.
Of particular interest is the finding showing that half of Europeans are expected to travel two or more times in the next 6 months, something that heralds a “strong” tourist season.
Duration and budget
Although inflationary pressures are putting pressure on households in Europe, however, as regards the duration of holidays, 40% state that they will travel for 7 - 12 days, which is also the most popular answer, with trips of 4 - 6 overnight stays following at 36%.
In fact, as regards spending, 29% foresee a budget of 1,501-2,500 euros per person, 22% have a budget between 1,001-1,500 euros and 24% between 501-1,000 euros. Finally, only 13% estimate that they will spend more than 2,500 euros.
In the same context, of particular importance is the finding showing that air travel remains the most popular for trips despite the increase in fuel prices as a result of the geopolitical crisis, which has led to higher fares.
More specifically, 53% will choose a plane for their trip, 30% a car and 11% a train. Very small at 3% and 2% respectively is the percentage of those who will travel by bus or by ship.
Climate change and cost shape choices
The climate crisis is now entering the equation of travel decisions, as Europeans seek milder temperatures and shift their holidays outside peak periods. According to the survey data, the search for destinations with a milder climate is one of the main trends gaining strength, while several travelers state that they avoid areas with intense heat phenomena.
In this direction, more and more visitors check weather forecasts before making a booking, in order to limit the risk of unpleasant experiences due to extreme conditions.
Choosing travel periods outside the traditional peak months is also an adaptation strategy, as travelers seek milder temperatures and greater comfort without crowds.
The main criteria for choosing a destination remain safety (20%), pleasant and stable weather conditions (15%) and total cost (24%).
According to the survey, the biggest concern of European travelers is the increase in the total cost of travel due to inflation, at 22%. This is followed by the economic situation and personal finances (17%). In third place is the possible impact of tensions in the Middle East on travel safety (14%), while the war between Russia and Ukraine concerns 11% of respondents.
In addition, strikes and staff shortages in transport worry 10%, overtourism 9%, extreme weather phenomena 7%, booking policies 5% and the environmental footprint of travel 4%.