Greek travel agencies record an 8% decrease in bookings for package tours, in Greece and abroad, in the three-day period compared to the same period in 2023, despite the fact that this year another holiday is added to the weekend, which could give more incentive to escape.
Great demand within the country is noted in the destinations of Macedonia, which in many cases are the first preference of customers of travel agencies. Kastoria, Zagorochoria, Pindos, Tzoumerka, Kalambaka and Thrace are in high demand, Delphi and Pelion are also in the plans of Greek excursionists and particularly popular are trips to Achaia, mountainous Arcadia and Mani. At the same time, the preferences of Greek excursionists include large island destinations such as Corfu, Rhodes and Crete.
As for the choice of foreign destinations, there are fluctuations, with many destinations in central Europe being sold out, and with an obvious trend this year for holidays in distant destinations. In terms of flight tours, the Dalmatian coast, Italy, Poland, Malta, Alsace and Switzerland lead the way, and in terms of road trips, Sofia, Ohrid, Dubrovnik, Belgrade and Bucharest. High on the list this year is Turkey, for holidays in Istanbul, the Coast, Izmir and Cappadocia. On the occasion of the 28 October weekend, there is also a preference for distant destinations such as Cuba, Latin America, Vietnam, China and for Arab countries unaffected by geopolitical instability.
The President of the FedHATTA Federation, Mr. Lysander Tsilides, said: “Bookings so far have not managed to cover last year’s mobility, indicative of the financial inability of Greeks to move freely. However, it is not unlikely that demand will be boosted at the last minute, up to 2 days before departure, which is common in the Greek market.
Greek travel agencies offer organized holidays tailored to the needs of Greek travelers at attractive prices for the weekend of October 28th, allowing everyone to enjoy quality escapes to destinations of their choice with the protection provided by the PD 7/2018 to those participating in organized trips. It should be noted that only travel agencies that operate legally have the right to organise package tours, bearing the respective responsibility for their execution – in accordance with the relevant legislation. Choosing a travel agency therefore ensures that potential travellers are protected from all kinds of fraudsters, who operate mainly on social networks and could turn the expected pleasant travel experience into something very different and very unpleasant”.
