Farmers Strikes Hit Kastoria Hotels with Twenty-Five to Thirty Percent Cancellations: Urgent Measures Needed to Save Tourism in Greece

Published on December 15, 2025

The ongoing farmers’ mobilizations in Greece have caused significant disruptions in local travel and tourism, with severe consequences for the Kastoria Regional Unit. The Kastoria Regional Unit Hoteliers Association has raised concerns about the negative impact these mobilizations are having on the hotel sector. In a letter sent to the relevant ministries and to Ms. Maria Antoniou, the Member of Parliament for Kastoria, the Association described a worrying situation in which travel difficulties have led to a sharp increase in cancellations and a notable decline in new bookings.

Record Cancellations Amid Farmers’ Protests

The letter outlines that since the start of the agricultural sector mobilizations, hotel businesses in Kastoria have experienced cancellations ranging from 25% to 30%. This decline in bookings is not confined to the current period alone but has extended to the critical holiday season as well. The holiday season is traditionally a key period for winter destination hotels, making the recent downturn especially damaging. The Association emphasized that this development is taking a serious toll on the local hospitality sector, which heavily relies on tourism to sustain its businesses.

Kastoria, with its picturesque landscapes and historical charm, has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking winter tourism experiences. However, these cancellations and the uncertainty surrounding new bookings paint a grim picture for the area’s hotel industry, especially when many businesses are already facing significant financial strain due to the ongoing pandemic recovery and other external challenges.

Wider Economic Impact Beyond the Hotel Sector

While the direct impact on hotels is significant, the Kastoria Regional Unit Hoteliers Association warns that the consequences extend beyond the hospitality sector. The Association highlights that the ongoing disruptions in travel are also affecting the broader local economy, including food service, retail, and tourism services. The decline in visitors has left local businesses across the region struggling, with fewer tourists dining at local restaurants, shopping in retail stores, or using other tourism services that rely on a steady flow of visitors.

This disruption to the local economy further underscores the vital role that tourism plays in sustaining many sectors in the region. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and transport services are all part of a network of businesses that depend on visitors’ steady influx. As tourism numbers plummet, the ripple effects throughout the region’s economy are becoming evident, contributing to a wider economic slowdown that threatens the livelihoods of many local workers.

Solidarity with Farmers but Call for Resolution

Despite the negative impact on the hotel sector, the Kastoria Regional Unit Hoteliers Association has expressed solidarity with the farmers’ demands, acknowledging the difficulties faced by the primary sector. The Association has made it clear that it understands and supports the legitimacy of the farmers’ concerns. They recognize the challenges faced by agricultural workers and understand the importance of their efforts in advocating for fair policies and improved working conditions.

However, while the hoteliers stand in solidarity with farmers, they also stress the importance of finding a balance between fair demands and cooperation between sectors. They highlight that the ongoing mobilizations should not lead to unnecessary conflict or confrontation with other professional sectors—such as the hospitality industry—that are also facing economic hardship. The local tourism market is under significant strain, and the disruption of travel must be addressed to ensure the continued viability of the region’s businesses.

The Need for Smooth Accessibility to Protect the Tourism Market

In its letter, the Kastoria Regional Unit Hoteliers Association urgently calls for action from all parties involved. The Association stresses that ensuring smooth accessibility to the region is critical in limiting the damage to the local tourism market. Without easy access to Kastoria, the flow of visitors will continue to be disrupted, and local businesses will struggle to survive the economic downturn caused by the protests.

The Association’s message is clear: a solution must be found quickly to allow for the safe and uninterrupted travel of tourists. The letter implores both farmers and authorities to come together and reach a compromise that will benefit all sectors, ensuring that the economic fallout from the farmers’ mobilizations does not extend further into the winter tourism season and beyond.

An Immediate Need for Collaboration and Resolution

The Kastoria Regional Unit Hoteliers Association is calling for an immediate and collaborative effort between all parties involved. They stress the need for a solution that addresses both the legitimate demands of farmers and the vital necessity of protecting the local tourism economy. The current situation is creating a critical juncture for the region, as delays in resolving the conflict could result in irreparable damage to the area’s businesses, especially those reliant on the winter tourism season.

By ensuring uninterrupted access to the region, local businesses will have the opportunity to recover and continue to thrive, but timely action is essential. The Association hopes that all parties can come together quickly to negotiate a peaceful resolution that preserves the livelihoods of both farmers and tourism workers in Kastoria.

Conclusion: Navigating the Intersection of Agriculture and Tourism

The recent farmers’ mobilizations in Kastoria have thrown the region’s hotel sector and broader local economy into a state of uncertainty. While the Kastoria Regional Unit Hoteliers Association stands in solidarity with farmers and their demands, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining smooth accessibility to ensure the continued operation of the local tourism market. Without a resolution to these disruptions, both farmers and the tourism sector may face serious long-term consequences.

As the holiday season approaches, the Kastoria Regional Unit Hoteliers Association calls for immediate action to ensure that travel disruptions are minimized, and the local economy is protected. Only by finding common ground between all parties involved can Kastoria navigate these challenges and emerge stronger in the face of adversity.