Why Brits are ditching Spain this summer – and where they are going instead

WorldTravel
7 May 2026 • 2:36 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why Brits are ditching Spain this summer – and where they are going instead

  • Greece has seen a surge in summer holiday bookings from British visitors after unilaterally abolishing biometric border checks in mid-April, defying European Commission instructions.
  • The Advantage Travel Partnership reported that Greece has surpassed mainland Spain in new bookings from UK travellers for the summer period.
  • Mainland Spain's share of bookings dropped from 8.7 per cent to 7 per cent in the last two weeks of April, while Greece's share rose from 7.7 per cent to 9.8 per cent.
  • Julia Lo Bue-Said, Advantage's chief executive, stated that travellers are choosing destinations with smoother and more predictable arrival experiences, influenced by potential disruptions from the EU entry-exit system (EES).
  • Despite Greece's move lacking legal basis, Brussels has not yet acted, though the European Commission maintains the EES rollout is progressing well elsewhere.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved