Tourism Flows to Zakynthos Strong, No Quake Impact, Say Hoteliers

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Zakynthos hoteliers confirmed that a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled the island last month has had no impact on tourism flows.

“These were difficult times, but Zakynthos got through, demonstrating yet again that the island’s hotel units were able to withstand a strong earthquake due to exceptional infrastructure and highly trained staff,” said Laganas Hotel Association President Christina Tetradi.

Tetradi, who is also vice president of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, spoke with hoteliers, local authorities and tour operators, who confirmed that there were no cancellations or departures, as well as that on-the-spot inspections found minor damage to hotel infrastructure.

Zakynthos, Greece

Tourism professionals confirmed that the issue of safety was the top priority and that the municipality and region have moved ahead with a series of readiness practices to better address possible problems for both visitors and the island’s population.

In the meantime, authorities agreed to offer Zakynthos hoteliers an extension to January 28, 2019  for the payment of tax dues as well as to the deferral of payment of overdue debts for six months.

“By facilitating the payment of insurance and tax obligations, the local community, which relies on tourism for a living, can return to normalcy,” said Tetradi.

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is one of Greece’s most popular islands and a favorite destination for international travelers, welcoming in 2017 more than 200,000 visitors.

Since the main temblor on October 26, the island has been rattled by dozens of after shocks, including two more earthquakes that struck seven minutes apart on Sunday morning.