Foreign Tour Operators Show Different Views On Greek Tourism

Some European tour operators began price-cutting campaigns last month in an attempt to attract more visitors to Greece this summer season. Others, on the other hand, appeared not so supportive to Greek tourism.

According to the UK media, several tour operators began to offer discounts to customers with UK-based Olympic Holidays leading the way by slashing its prices 25 percent for holidays in July and August. “This is the first time a company has cut its prices for the busiest travel period,” the UK press said. Olympic Holidays is one of the biggest tour operators to Greece.

Meanwhile, Italian tour operator Veratour last month suspended payments to Greek hotels on grounds of political instability in Greece and the country’s potential exit from the Euro.

“We will not be able to deliver further advance payments, at least until the condition of the country becomes more clearer and stable,” the letter, signed by Veratour Chairman Carlo Pompili, read.

German tour group TUI advised its clients who would travel to Greece individually, to carry “extra cash” in case Greece left the Euro.

According to the press, shortly before the 17 June elections, a TUI official estimated a 10-15 percent reduction in its tourism traffic to Greece this year.