• Widespread October Strikes: Greece (Oct 1), France (Oct 2 & 7-10), Italy (rolling throughout Oct), Netherlands (Oct 1 at Schiphol), and Spain (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun throughout Oct) are experiencing strikes affecting various transport sectors.
• Diverse Strike Causes and Impacts: Strikes are driven by labor disputes over pay, working conditions, and government policies (e.g., Greece’s labor law, France’s budget, KLM pay, Ryanair conditions), leading to flight, rail, ferry, and public transport disruptions.
• Europe’s Tourism Boom Continues: Despite strike disruptions, Europe is experiencing a strong tourism rebound in 2025, with a 4% increase in international tourists in the first half of the year compared to last year and significant growth in passenger traffic across many countries.
• New Entry/Exit System (EES): The European Entry/Exit System (EES) launches on October 12, 2025, for non-EU travelers, which might cause initial delays at borders, requiring travelers to arrive earlier than usual.

Despite some anticipated disruptions, Europe’s tourism industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience and continued popularity, with millions of international travelers enjoying its diverse offerings in 2025. While Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain are facing some national and targeted strikes this October, Europe as a whole is experiencing a strong tourism rebound, with significant growth in passenger traffic and international arrivals. This indicates that travelers remain eager to explore the continent’s iconic destinations, embracing adventures and cultural experiences.

The upcoming strikes, while challenging for some travelers, are primarily focused on specific dates and sectors. For instance, Greece faces a nationwide general strike on October 1 over a new labor law, impacting ferries, public transport, and some public services. France will see a general strike on October 2 and an air traffic control strike from October 7-10, mainly affecting train and air travel. Italy has rolling disruptions throughout October, including rail strikes and targeted airport worker walkouts. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport will experience an eight-hour strike by KLM ground staff on October 1, and Spain will have sustained partial strikes by Ryanair baggage handlers every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout October.

It is heartening to note that amidst these temporary challenges, Europe’s tourism numbers are flourishing. The first half of 2025 saw 340 million international tourists, a 4 percent increase from last year and 7 percent more than in 2019. Countries like Malta, Latvia, and Finland are reporting significant jumps in overnight stays, and Croatia is set for a record-breaking tourism year. Furthermore, Europe’s tourism market is projected to generate $305.96 billion in 2025, with package holidays being a major contributor. For travelers, staying informed, maintaining flexibility, and arriving early for flights, especially with the new Entry/Exit System launching on October 12, will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey across this vibrant continent.