Rising living costs continue to strain Greek households, with nearly half of citizens reporting a worsened financial situation over the past year and a similar percentage skipping summer vacations, according to the second part of a recent Alco opinion poll.
The survey reveals that 47% of respondents feel financially worse off than a year ago, while 45% report no change, and a mere 7% see an improvement. This financial pressure directly impacts summer plans: 47% state they will not take a vacation this year, slightly outpacing the 44% who intend to travel, while 9% remain undecided.
Accommodation Costs: Emerged as the primary deterrent, with 76% citing lodging expenses as a major factor in their decision to stay home.
Essential Expenses: Prioritizing daily household bills was a major obstacle for 74% of respondents, underscoring the relentless pressure of inflation.
Transportation: High transit fees remain a significant hurdle, with 59% stating that ticket prices heavily influenced their decision not to travel.
Food Prices: Grocery and dining costs strongly influenced 49% of respondents’ holiday decisions.
For the minority planning to travel, 59% expect their vacation length to match last year’s. Meanwhile, 21% anticipate a shorter trip, and 15% plan to extend their stay.
Cost-consciousness also dictates lodging choices. Staying at a personally or family-owned property is the most popular option (46%), followed by hotels (37%), short-term rentals like Airbnb (12%), and camping (5%).
Ultimately, these findings mirror broader anxiety over affordability. With soaring housing costs and persistent inflation, the expense of domestic tourism—particularly accommodation and island ferry fares—remains a dominant concern for Greek families heading into the summer season.
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