“The strong growth of the country in 2021 is due to the oversupply of tourism” noted the president of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) Giannis Retsos in statements to the Athenian Macedonian News Agency, emphasizing that tourism revenues this year will eventually reach 10.2 billion , ie 55% of the revenues of 2019 which was 18.2 billion euros. These revenues, explained Mr. Retsos, are 3 billion euros more than the target initially set by SETE for this year and translates into 2 additional units in the GDP of the Greek economy in 2020, with all that implies for the development of the country.
Tourism revenues exceeded initial forecasts this year
With the start of the tourist season, virtually no one could make a safe prediction for its development. In fact, SETE, when it was announced by Britain that it will not allow its citizens to travel abroad before August, but also with Russia effectively banning flights to Europe, for 2021 spoke of achieving 40% of revenue in 2019.
Finally, from July onwards, the data changed rapidly, Mr. Retsos underlined, and Greece for the second year was the first choice for the citizens of the big markets of our country and in fact the estimates speak that in the last four months of the year, Revenues will be 65% to 70% of revenues in 2019.
Greece has consolidated the feeling of security in its visitors
2021 will go down in history as a year when Greece consolidated the feeling of security in its visitors by redeeming what it had built on this front last year, said among others Mr. Retsos. “The very good performance of this year is also due to the fact that the industry was prepared. “The private sector has shown great adaptability and the government has worked closely and effectively with the private sector.”
For the president of SETE, it was very important that the country announced that it starts tourism on May 14 and in fact this was done without setbacks. At the same time, Spain and Portugal were opening and closing their borders, Mr. Retsos reminded, at the same time talking about positive handling by the government on this front. The decision of Greece to allow visitors from the USA to come to Greece, despite the recommendation of the EU, is part of the positive handling. This translated into a very rapid increase in arrivals from the US market in our country.
Demand is very high for Greece in 2022-Security in the foreground
For 2022, safety will again be the first criterion for someone to travel to tourist destinations, since it will again be a year of pandemic, says Mr. Retsos. At this point, the president of SETE expressed his concern about the new mutation of the virus and is already in constant communication with the competent authorities.
In any case, Greece maintains its strong brand, it is already in great demand for 2022 and in terms of security it has a competitive advantage, he pointed out. “And this year the bet is to operate safely and achieve the best possible result for everyone,” said Mr. Retsos.
Of course, Mr. Retsos emphasizes, the optimism for 2022 can be overturned at any time with the appearance of a new mutation, as is the case in recent days with that of Botswana.
Tourism is a 12-month activity – Tourism businesses are ready
Regarding the beginning of the new tourist year, Mr. Retsos is categorical. “The message that tourism is stopping and starting has gone wrong. It is an activity of 12 months. We have branches of the tourism economy that do not stop (air transport, coastal shipping, accommodation in mountains and cities, tourist offices, etc.). “We must do everything we can to ensure that these companies continue to operate in this difficult pandemic situation and to prepare accordingly for the peak of the period,” said the president of SETE.
In any case, the tourism industry must be prepared at any time to welcome increased flows of tourists, as there is already increased interest from airlines and tour operators to start travel to Greece earlier, according to Mr. Retsos.
Nobody remembers tourist arrival numbers-Everyone aims to increase revenue
Always with his eyes on the next day of Greek tourism, Mr. Retsos points out that now you do not remember arrival numbers but no one sets arrival goals. Everyone is targeting revenue, with all that entails for upgrading the tourism product.
Asked about the increase in tourist expenditure of tourists this year, Mr. Retsos notes that it increased for the following reasons:
a) People of older age and high financial status traveled.
b) The average stay increased because the shorter trips (City Break, etc.) that reduce the average cost downwards decreased.
c) Air travel prevailed over road, which has a higher cost, compared to road.
SETE discusses how to reduce the energy costs of tourism companies
Against the background of the new tourist year and the bet on the safe operation of businesses, the president of SETE expresses the wish that they do not need new support measures, because, if that happens, we will talk about a third setback for the country and the world economy. , explains Mr. Retsos. In any case, SETE is already discussing with the competent authorities how to alleviate the energy costs of tourism companies, which are already experiencing fuel increases in their budget.
It is necessary to enrich Greek tourism with new products
Remaining in the field of SETE requests, the agenda is known and includes proposals on how to strengthen and enrich the tourist product of Greece. For Mr. Retsos, the diversification of the Greek tourist product and its enrichment with new products is very important.
“In tourism, the term thematic does not exist. Now the experience dominates “, notes Mr. Retsos and points out: The traveler who will come to Athens for a business trip, will want to live the experience of gastronomy, to experience the pulse of the city, etc. As a result, we need a broader and more enriched product. “
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