Unexpected Tourism Surge: Israelis Stay Longer in Athens Amid Travel Delays

Athens hoteliers are reporting an unexpected boom, as hundreds of Israeli tourists temporarily stranded due to disrupted travel routes extend their stay.

According to industry insiders, numerous Israeli visitors who would typically have departed quickly now remain lodged in Athens following flight cancellations and rerouting. Hoteliers say the influx coincides with a rare slowdown in bookings, creating a welcome spike in room occupancy. Some hotels report reaching near-full capacity midweek - a scenario usually reserved for peak tourist season.

An Athens hotelier, speaking anonymously to Tornos News, noted that the extended stays have not only sustained revenue but also delivered unexpected gains. Many Israelis are choosing to explore the city, sampled local cuisine, and extended bookings through last weekend.

This development arrives amid broader rebound trends for Athens tourism. In 2024, hotel occupancy averaged 78 %, up 2.3 % year‑on‑year, with winter months showing marked improvement, thanks in part to city-break seekers and convention traffic. Now, the involuntary extension of Israeli visitors appears to bolster this momentum, further supporting hotels during what normally remains a quieter period.

Industry experts stress that while travel disruptions are far from ideal, this unexpected cohort has delivered tangible benefits.

“These tourists were stranded, but they’ve turned into our strongest ambassadors,” one hotel manager shared. “Their presence is supporting jobs, keeping restaurants open, and maintaining vitality in our neighbourhoods.”

Greek tourism officials and local business groups are monitoring the trend, hopeful that the temporary influx may yield longer-term returns. Discussions are underway to encourage extended stays and promote Athens experiences during off-peak travel windows for Israeli and other European visitors.