Greek Tour Company Refuses Israeli Customers Citing Political Reasons Amid Palestine Conflict

Olympos Trek, a Greek tourism company specializing in nature tours and extreme activities around Mount Olympus and Thessaly, has refused a booking from an Israeli tourist for ideological reasons. The company, based in Larissa and operating since 1995, stated that due to "the atrocities currently committed by Israelis in Palestine," they have no place for Israeli customers. This refusal was not related to availability or timing but solely based on the nationality of the clients.

The company offers various outdoor activities including climbing, trekking, canyoning, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, via ferrata, and active vacations. The incident was documented on social media and has drawn attention within the tourism industry.

Sivan Zamir, an Israeli tourism expert living in Greece for many years and owner of the website Greece and the Islands, described the case as unusual and unprecedented in his 20 years of experience marketing Israeli tourism to Greece. He emphasized the strong appreciation and sympathy for Israel in Greece, especially after the events of October 7. Zamir reported that following the social media post, he contacted official bodies in both Israel and Greece, including the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and the Greek National Tourism Board (EOT), to address the issue promptly.

He also noted that the company's refusal likely violates Greek law, which prohibits discrimination based on age, gender, nationality, or religion. The business could face significant fines or even closure by authorities. Zamir stressed that the individual employee's stance does not represent the general sentiment in Greece toward Israeli tourists.

The case highlights tensions spilling into the tourism sector amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, raising legal and ethical questions about discrimination in international travel services.