The Greek tourism sector is famous for its timeless appeal, but traveller behaviour is changing. Long-term planning is giving way to agility and flexibility. Hospitality providers that adapt can capture a growing segment seeking spontaneity, autonomy and peace of mind.
The Shift to Shorter Booking Windows
The post-pandemic travel market has seen a significant return to last-minute bookings. While long-term planning for major trips still exists, travellers are increasingly making decisions closer to their arrival date. This is particularly evident in Greece, where the popularity of island-hopping and a strong domestic travel market contribute to this trend. Recent data shows that 59.3% of Greek travellers now book their trip within the final week before departure, while only 13.3% book more than a month in advance (in.gr, 2025).
This change is driven by:
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Weather-driven choices — travellers reacting to forecasts and seasonal deals.
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A strong domestic market — many locals take shorter, more frequent getaways.
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Ease of digital booking — faster, mobile-first platforms make spontaneous travel seamless.
Serviced apartments benefit from this trend by offering dynamic availability and pricing, unlike large hotels with rigid pre-booking structures.
The Rise of Flexible Cancellation Policies
Flexibility doesn’t stop at booking dates. One of the most transformative trends in hospitality today is the demand for flexible cancellation policies. Travellers want peace of mind — the freedom to change their plans without losing money. In fact, over 50% of travellers globally are willing to pay more for free cancellation options, according to Expedia statistics.
Why this matters:
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It builds trust — guests feel you understand their uncertainty.
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It reduces booking friction — more guests book confidently when risk is low.
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It attracts longer-stay and digital nomad guests, who often have fluid schedules.
For the Greek market — traditionally reliant on non-refundable bookings, especially during peak summer — this marks a fundamental shift in guest expectations.
Digital Nomad Appeal
Since Greece introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, the trend has skyrocketed. Digital nomads and remote professionals seek accommodation that adapts to their lifestyle — with flexible lease terms, comfortable living spaces, and strong connectivity. Serviced apartments naturally meet these needs, combining:
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The independence of home-style living.
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The services and reliability of a hotel.
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The freedom to stay a few nights or several months.
This segment is not just growing — it’s becoming one of the most profitable in the Greek accommodation market.
Why Serviced Apartments Are Built for Flexibility
Serviced apartments are the perfect hybrid between hotels and traditional rentals, offering both autonomy and convenience.
Their strengths:
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Hybrid Model: Hotel-style amenities with residential comfort.
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Customizable Stays: Easily adaptable for short-term leisure or long-term corporate stays.
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Operational Agility: Easier to adjust pricing, availability, and guest experience in real time.
The broader data support this direction: Greece’s short-term rental sector grew 7.5% in demand and 5% in supply year-over-year (Ered.gr, 2025). Meanwhile, serviced apartments are expanding rapidly — with over 3,500 units in operation and 1,000 more expected by 2026 (Enterprise Greece, 2025).
In an increasingly competitive Greek tourism market, the ability to embrace and leverage flexibility is a key differentiator. By offering shorter booking windows and guest-friendly policies, serviced apartment providers like Lavish Hospitality can not only meet but exceed the expectations of the modern traveller, securing a dominant position in the industry for years to come.