Greek Hoteliers Expect Tourism Normalcy in 2022

Greek hoteliers are expecting tourism normalcy in 2022, according to Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX) President Grigoris Tasios.

Speaking recently to the Athens News Agency (ANA), Tasios said he expected tourism-related revenues for 2021 to reach 50 percent of 2019 levels – some 10 billion euros or even more when taking into account September and October tourist traffic. He went on to add that October data would define overall tourism performance for 2021. 

Looking ahead, Tasios said he expects sector performance to “return to normalcy in 2022” but stressed that all forecasts depend on Covid-19 developments and that the number of cases would decline in winter.

According to the federation’s president, September showed strong signs of a comeback with occupancy levels reaching 70 to 80 percent.

October, he said, would bring the tourism year to a close. Indicatively, more than 550,000 airline seats have already been booked for the October 4-10 period and 516,000 for the week after, he said.

Hellenic Hoteliers Federation President Grigoris Tasios.

However, he explained that despite the increase in arrivals, tour package rates were still very low.

At the same time, many mainland hotels will be closing for business in the coming week, he said, adding that island destinations will continue welcoming travelers through to November.

Tasios reiterated that the government should take immediate measures to address the uncontrolled operation of Airbnb-style rentals.