German tour operator DER touristik records a significant drop in bookings for Kos and Rhodes so far but, in contrast, high demand for Crete and Corfu, according to data, presented in an informative meeting with Greek hoteliers in Athens by DER touristik’s member EXIM Director General Romana Slizkova.
In particular, Kos reservations are moving at very low levels compared to the previous year, while Rhodes is approximately reduced by half compared to the previous year.
On the contrary, sales in Crete have increased about 30%, while a smaller increase is shown in Corfu.
Across the country, the corresponding figures show a decrease of about 10% in all purchases by the group, due to the great reduction of Kos and smaller but significant reduction in Rhodes.
Rapid development
DER touristik CEO Rolf-Dieter Maltzahn presented the rapid development of the group following the acquisition of Kuoni group of Companies and Apollo Travel group.
Describing the current situation in tourism at many countries, including Greece, Mr. Maltzahn said it is characterized by weak demand, due to the unfavorable economic situation, the terrorist attacks in many parts of the world, political instability and refugee flows.
Based on the evidence presented by Mr. Maltzahn, Greece as a tourist destination has been able to attract interest, but during January had difficulties to convert it into sales.
Discounts policy
Given that this reservation period is indicative of the course of the whole year, the company followed the policy of discounts to mobilize demand.
Thus, in the last days of 2015 and the first weeks of 2016, bookings soared but eventually slowed down after the second week of January.
Regarding seasonality, Mr. Maltzahn said that existing reservations relate primarily to the period starting from the middle of May, peaking in mid-July, and are reduced after mid August.
Rhodes and Kos remain unusually low mainly because of the refugee crisis.
Demand difference
Interestingly, there is also a difference in demand, during the last 10 weeks, related to family holidays and vacations for couples.
For the summer of 2016, in Greece the demand for rooms for 2 persons (couples) remains strong, continuing at the same level after a decline in the second week of January, while demand for family holidays, which started to rise last week 2015 and peaked the second week of January, presents ongoing gradual decline until today.
The meeting was attended by DER touristik executives and contact persons in Germany, executives of DTS and directors of the new offices of DTS in Rhodes, Corfu and Kos.
Invited Greek hoteliers were welcomed by general manager of destination touristic services for Greece Yiannis Papadakis, who stated that Greece has very significant growth prospects, thanks to its quality services strategy and correct pricing in relation to the attractiveness of our country as a tourist destination .
Read also: DER Touristik: German bookings for Greece lag but expected to recover
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
