Hoteliers Look To Domestic Travelers

The number of domestic travelers this year is expected to increase substantially according to the organizers of this year’s domestic travel fair Tourism Panorama.

Greek hoteliers are turning to domestic travelers in order to cover the loss of foreign arrivals expected this year. Many hoteliers already are working with local travel agents to create package programs with an enticing pricing policy. Travel agents and hoteliers expect to work with banks (credit cards) so as to ensure quick payment and cheap prices.

But for domestic travelers to get the most out of their travel euro they will have to book their holidays at least three months in advance.

According to the most recent statistics (1997), Greeks cover 25% (15 million) of all overnights at Greek hotels and 45% (25 million) of all overnights at rented rooms.

The same statistics show that domestic tourists spend more than 2 billion euros on travel.

Most overnights are chalked up in the Athens area. Thessaloniki and Rodos follows, with the Cycladic Islands taking fourth place in preference. These destinations are followed by Pylios, Chalkidikis, Ioanninon and Corfu.