Crete, like most tourist destinations in the country, is experiencing the phenomenon of last-minute bookings this year, accompanied by generous offers in order to maintain satisfactory occupancy rates in hotels. This picture was recently described in Tornos News by Christina Tetradi, noting that “last-minute bookings and discounts are now the main strategy of hoteliers throughout the country”.
In Crete, tourism operators confirm that, despite the increased traffic at airports and ports, occupancy rates did not reach last year’s levels. July, traditionally a peak month, moved to lower levels, while August also started with an average occupancy rate of around 70%, instead of the almost 100% that previously characterized the peak season. There are many who characterize the current picture as unprecedented compared to the past, when from May to August hotels had an occupancy rate of 90% and more.
In the meantime, to deal with the situation, the island’s hotels have “recruited” last-minute packages and discounts, with the aim of increasing the average occupancy rate to 80%. “The offers are more this year and they started earlier than any other year,” say people in the market, emphasizing that travelers remain particularly careful in their spending, limiting their vacation budgets due to the international economic situation.
At the same time, the increase in short-term rental accommodations continues to affect the supply and demand balance. “Beds are multiplying, while consumption remains frugal,” note tourism sector executives, pointing out that the local economy is affected by the lower average expenditure per visitor. Catering professionals may complain, but those in supermarkets are seeing their turnover increase.
However, the outlook for autumn remains positive for the island. September is expected to close with occupancy rates close to 80%, while October is also showing momentum. Climate change and the particularly high temperatures in July and August seem to be leading to a shift in tourist demand towards milder months, such as June and September, something that has been pointed out by professionals in recent years and will be confirmed again this year.
Regarding origin markets, German visitors remain the stable base of Cretan tourism, while the American market is showing remarkable momentum thanks to direct flights to Greece and the enhanced promotion of the Greek islands in the USA.
In conclusion, tourism operators on the island estimate that this year marks a new “normality” for Cretan tourism: more offers in peak months, a boost in the autumn season and increased reliance on last-minute bookings. Despite the challenges, they emphasize that tourism remains “the engine of the local economy”, and adapting to the new conditions is the only way to maintain the competitiveness of the destination.
