The picture of Greek travel to Greek and international destinations during the October 28th holiday is moderate. Greek travel agencies are recording a decrease in bookings that is on average -30% compared to last year.
The October 28th holiday coincides with a period between summer and Christmas where there is traditionally increased travel demand, with the result that Greek consumers are limiting their travel expenses for the time being. In addition, the decrease is also attributed to the fact that this year’s holiday coincides with a Tuesday, resulting in a clear four-day period for everyone.
However, it is estimated that many will be those who will seek organized holidays for October 28th, even at the last minute.
According to an analysis by the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel & Tourism Agencies (FedHATTA) of demand data recorded so far by members of travel agency associations from all over Greece, the decrease is significantly greater in individual travel and milder in organized packages, while there are many who use their vacation homes in various destinations in Greece.
The most popular destinations
The center of gravity for trips “within the walls” are the country’s mountainous winter destinations and for international departures, the large urban centers in Europe.
In more detail, travel activity within Greece is focused on Tzoumerka, Chios, Valia Kalda, Kastoria, Mani, Lake Plastira, Pelion, Peloponnese, Karpenisi, Zagorochoria, Sivota, Nafplio and Corfu.
A significant part of the demand is directed towards organized coach excursions lasting 3–4 days in areas such as Laconian Mani (from €368), Zagorochoria (from €399), Sivota (from €405), Tzoumerka (from €378), Kastoria (from €369), Prespes (from €421) and Lake Plastira (from €243).
Popular and affordable getaways, close to Athens by car, which include accommodation in a four-star hotel, are Nafplio (from €145) and Pelion (from €148).
Regarding abroad, demand is around last year’s levels, with a focus on four- or five-day packages for a European city break. Popular choices among Greeks are Paris (from €715) and Disneyland (from €795), London (from €795), Poland (from €745) and Budapest (from €499). The programs include airline tickets and tours, while demand for long-distance trips remains low.
Increased interest is also recorded for Dubai (from €995), while among closer options, popular are packages for Imbros – Tenedos (from €597). At the same time, demand for Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Prague and Vienna, as well as Morocco and Tunisia, remains stable, with most choosing organized programs that combine sightseeing and guided tours.
The president of FedHATTA, Mr. Lysandros Tsilidis, commenting on the demand picture for October 28, stated: “This is a transitional holiday period, after the summer and before Christmas, during which consumers limit their travel expenses by organizing longer getaways.
Of particular interest is the fact that many Greeks use these days to travel to areas of mainland Greece but also to the islands, where they have vacation homes.
However, due to increased availability, Greeks have many options for last-minute bookings, with a high probability of being utilized by a large part of travelers, improving the demand picture in the coming days.”
