GNTO: Pre-bookings from UK to Greece Up 10% for 2019

Pre-sale tourist bookings for 2019 from the United Kingdom to Greece are up by 10 percent, according to the Greek National Tourism Organisation’s (GNTO) UK & Ireland Office Director Emy Anagnostopoulou.

Ahead of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2018, a leading international travel trade show that will take place during November 5-7, the GNTO is encouraging British visitors to pair a city break with a ski holiday in Greece this winter.

“We are expecting a 15 percent global increase in arrivals and we expect to exceed our target of 32 million international visitors this year,” Anagnostopoulou told GTP Headlines.

“In the UK, we are 10.4 percent up to date and 10 percent up on pre-sale from the UK for next year,” she added.

According to the GNTO’s office director for the UK, few realise that Greece has a number of ski resorts within easy travelling distance of its two main cities.

Parnassos Ski Center – Kellaria site. Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

“People can forget that the Greek mainland is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe – we have 19 ski resorts and many of them are close to Athens or Thessaloniki,” she said.

The country’s largest resort is Arachova, close to Delphi, in Central Greece which boasts more than 20 ski slopes.

“Just as Mykonos attracts the high-end market in summer, so Arachova is the ‘winter Mykonos’,” said Anagnostopoulou. “You can visit Athens on a city break, have two or three excellent days of skiing on Mount Parnassos and enjoy the area’s great gastronomy as well,” Anagnostopoulou added.

The GNTO is letting the world know that Greece is “open” to visitors all 365 days of the year.

The growing number of flight options also means Greece is expanding its tourism during the “shoulder” months – in the beginning and end of the summer season – with a new range of soft adventure options.

“The increased flight capacity means Greece is not just a summer destination, but also one that is attractive in spring and autumn,” the GNTO’s office director for the UK said.

Many regions and islands in Greece – including Andros and Tinos – are using their mountainous territory to develop and further promote walking trails to attract visitors outside the traditional summer months.

The Visit Greece stand will be at Venue EU1000 at WTM London 2018.