ABTA Issues Advice on Travel to Greece Due to UK Media Reports

In light of UK media reports on Greece’s financial situation, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has advised holidaymakers heading to Greece this summer to take some cash in euros with them as well as other payment methods (credit/debit cards) so that they are covered for all situations. The association, however, underlined that any talk about a Greece debt default is just speculation and there is no indication that holidaymakers will be disrupted in the country.

In a statement released on June 21, ABTA said that there has been recent articles in the UK press on Greece and the country’s current financial situation.

“Speculation about a possible Greece debt default, and potential exit from the Euro, has been current for some time, but at present remains just speculation”, ABTA’s statement reads.

The association underlined that “any changes would be highly unlikely to happen overnight, any switch to a new currency would take time and euros would likely be accepted in the interim”.

The association said that it does not anticipate that there will be any need for tour operators to rebook their customers to a different destination as at present there is no indication that holidaymakers will be disrupted.

“However, as with all destination matters, we will continue to monitor the situation and work with our Members on any developments”, ABTA said in its statement.

“This is an unusual situation but the industry is experienced in handling unusual situations.”

The association also advised travellers, as they would with any destination, to take out travel insurance as soon as they book their holiday to provide protection should they need to cancel.