Hotel Occupancy Peaks for New Year’s at Winter Hotspots in Greece
Hellenic Hoteliers Federation President Grigoris Tasios.
Winter destinations in Greece, including popular places like Arachova, Pelion and Ioannina are seeing occupancy levels soar to 85-90 percent for the three-day New Year holiday, according to data released by the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX).
POX President Grigoris Tasios said bookings concern domestic travelers as Covid-19 restrictions have put a brake on incoming travel, which currently accounts for less than 5 percent compared to 30 percent in pre-pandemic 2019.
Citing bookings, Tasios said holidaymakers are choosing popular winter destinations to welcome the new year such as Ioannina, Pelion, Arcadia, Arachova and Loutra Pozar in Central Macedonia, while many families are opting to visit cities hosting Christmas theme parks.
Photo source: Travel Ioannina
Occupancy levels were similar during the Christmas weekend but drop to 60 percent for Epiphany Day as travelers are waiting to book last minute, said Tasios in an interview to Praktoreio 104.9 FM.
He went on to add that overall hotel occupancy levels in 2021 recouped 50-60 percent of 2019 levels.
Meanwhile, Tasios said hoteliers were in talks with government officials for additional support measures particularly in view of skyrocketing energy rates.
Lastly, Tasios expressed confidence that 2022 will be a better year. “We’re entering 2022 with optimism and hopes that it will be better as of April,” he said.
Follow GTP Headlines on Google News to keep up to date with all the latest on tourism and travel in Greece. ΠΗΓΗ GTP
