US-based Tour Operators Say Tourism to Greece is ‘Business As Usual’

Tour operator members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) with travel programs to Greece are taking a “wait and see” approach to the current economic uncertainty but believe tourism will continue as usual, according to Terry Dale, president and CEO.

“Our active tour operator members have told us that they don’t anticipate any major impact on their tour and travel business to Greece,” Mr. Dale said in a recent announcement.

“They’ve heard from their ground operators and suppliers in Greece that everything is calm and it’s truly business-as-usual.”

According to the USTOA, some concern was cited about potential short-term problems with the ability to make ATM withdrawals to access Euros due to long lines, but many tour operators are advising clients bring Euros with them, in line with the recent security update from the U.S. State Department.

Should Greece withdraw from the euro zone as a result of the referendum vote on Sunday, July 5, there could be adjustments in pricing and exchange rates that could be favorable to Americans, according to USTOA members.

USTOA’s president said the association will continue to monitor the situation in Greece as it develops.