British Tourists Change Holiday Plans After Greece Stops EU Border Checks

May 6, 2026, 21:02

Introduction

Recent data shows that more British tourists are booking summer holidays in Greece instead of mainland Spain. This change happened after Greece decided to ignore certain European Union border rules.

Main Body

This shift in preference is caused by the Greek government's decision in mid-April to stop using the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). By removing biometric border checks for British citizens, Greece aimed to make arrivals faster and easier. According to data from the Advantage Travel Partnership, new bookings for Greece rose from 7.7% in mid-April to 9.8% by the end of the month. In contrast, bookings for mainland Spain dropped from 8.7% to 7% during the same period. Industry experts emphasize that travelers are choosing destinations where they expect a smooth and predictable journey. Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of Advantage, asserted that efficiency at the border is now a key factor for tourists. Furthermore, Seamus McCauley from Holiday Extras suggested that Greece took this step to protect its economy, as British tourists contribute €3.5 billion annually. Although the European Commission claims the EES is working well in most countries, it has not yet taken action against Greece for breaking the rules. Consequently, some analysts believe other countries, like France and Croatia, might follow Greece's example to keep their tourism industries competitive.

Conclusion

Greece has now overtaken mainland Spain in new summer bookings from the UK, although Spain is still the most popular overall destination when including the Canary and Balearic Islands.

Learning

🚀 The "B2 Leap": Moving from Simple to Complex Connections

At the A2 level, you usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to use Connectors of Result and Contrast. These words act like bridges that make your writing and speaking sound professional and fluid.

🖇️ The Logic Bridge: Cause $\rightarrow$ Effect

In the text, look at this word: Consequently.

A2 way: "Greece stopped checks, so more people went there."
B2 way: "Greece stopped checks. Consequently, more people went there."

Pro Tip: Use Consequently or Therefore when you want to show a logical result. It sounds more formal than "so."

⚖️ The Balance Bridge: Opposing Ideas

Notice how the author uses Although and In contrast.

Although (The Surprise): *"Although the Commission claims the EES is working, it has not taken action." Use this when the second part of the sentence is unexpected.
In contrast (The Comparison): *"Greece rose to 9.8%. In contrast, Spain dropped to 7%." Use this when you are comparing two different things (Country A vs. Country B).

🛠️ Quick Upgrade Table

Stop using (A2)	Start using (B2)	Why?
So	Consequently / Therefore	More academic
But	Although / However	More nuanced
And also	Furthermore	Better for listing arguments

Challenge: Next time you explain a decision, don't just say "so." Try "Consequently," and you are already speaking at a B2 level!

Vocabulary Learning

booking (n.)

The reservation of a seat, room, or other accommodation.

Example:I made a booking for a hotel room in Athens.

border (n.)

A line or area that separates two countries or regions.

Example:The Greek border with Albania is heavily monitored.

biometric (adj.)

Relating to the identification of people using unique physical traits such as fingerprints.

Example:The new biometric system will speed up the check‑in process.

efficiency (n.)

The ability to achieve a result with minimal waste of time or resources.

Example:Improving efficiency at the border can attract more tourists.

economy (n.)

The system of production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services in a country.

Example:Tourism is a major part of Greece’s economy.

tourism (n.)

The activity of traveling for leisure or business.

Example:The tourism industry has been hit hard by recent travel restrictions.

competitive (adj.)

Acting or striving to win or achieve the best result.

Example:Countries need to remain competitive to attract visitors.

overtaken (v.)

To surpass or exceed in performance or position.

Example:Greece has overtaken Spain in new summer bookings from the UK.

consequently (adv.)

As a result; therefore.

Example:The system was removed; consequently, arrivals became faster.

analysts (n.)

Experts who study data and provide opinions or forecasts.

Example:Analysts predict that other countries may follow Greece’s example.

asserted (v.)

To state a fact or belief firmly and confidently.

Example:The CEO asserted that border efficiency is a key factor for tourists.

example (n.)

A specific instance that illustrates a general rule or principle.

Example:This case is a good example of how policy changes can affect travel patterns.