Travel companies have reported a recent decline in holiday bookings to Greece as uncertainty over ongoing tensions with Iran influences travellers’ decisions.

Online package holiday firm On The Beach announced this week that demand for several well-known Mediterranean destinations — including Greece — has slowed following the escalation of conflict in the wider Middle East region.

The update came as the company revealed it was withdrawing its profit forecast, citing unpredictable booking patterns. Although the business has only limited exposure to destinations directly affected by the conflict, it said the situation had impacted customer confidence. Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt were all highlighted as places experiencing weaker demand.

According to the company, it remains unclear how long the conflict may continue or how quickly tourism interest will recover once tensions ease.

Despite these concerns, the UK government has not issued any advice against travelling to Greece. In fact, some travel providers are seeing the opposite trend. TUI has reported growing interest in familiar European destinations such as Greece, Portugal, and Spain, suggesting that many travellers are choosing locations they perceive as reliable and well-known.

Travellers already in Greece have been sharing their experiences online. One visitor in Athens described the city as extremely busy and said they felt completely safe during their stay. Another person living in the coastal Peloponnese region mentioned increased military aircraft activity in recent days but said local residents were not alarmed and daily life continued as usual.

Earlier this month, an Iranian drone strike targeted the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, which led to temporary disruption at Paphos Airport and some cancelled flights. However, Cyprus also remains on the UK’s list of destinations considered safe for travel. Authorities have warned that wider regional tensions could still cause disruption and advise visitors to stay informed through news updates and official alerts.

Tourism businesses in Cyprus have similarly reported a fall in bookings, with hotel operators noting that many potential visitors are hesitating before making travel plans for the spring season.

Cyprus’ foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, has sought to reassure tourists, stating that everyday activity on the island continues normally and that air traffic is returning to previous levels. He emphasised that extensive measures are being taken to safeguard residents and visitors alike.

The wider situation has also affected the cruise industry, with several European itineraries cancelled, including two sailings scheduled to depart from Greek ports.

Meanwhile, travel experts suggest that shifting demand could make destinations such as Spain particularly attractive to holidaymakers seeking alternatives this year.