The results of the summer season in Greece

Analyzing the trends of the season and the preferences of the Russians, tour operators say that there haven't been any major changes compared the past seasons: Greece remains a family holiday destination, so the hotels on all-inclusive basis are in the top demand. “About half of the bookings are for 10/11 nights with AI meals. The average price for Greece compared to last season has not changed. In the summer season it was about 43,400 Rubles (583 Euros) for an adult tourist in a double room,” said Lilia Parfenova from PEGAS Touristik. However, there are some interesting new trends. Firstly, this is a serious increase in demand for apartments with kitchens. Such accommodation facilities were actively requested by clients of ANEX Tour and TUI Russia. According to TUI experts, due to expansion of the range of quality apartments, for example, on the island of Zakynthos, the average price decreased by 15% compared to last year’s summer season. Secondly, according to Intourist and PEGAS Touristik, tourists are increasingly looking for exclusive hotels. In particular, as Ms. Parfenova said, such exclusive objects as Dessole Blue Star Resort 4* / AI, Dessole Dolphin Bay Resort 4 / AI, Dessole Malia Beach 4 + * / AI were well loaded by families with children. This year, the tour operator had 28 exclusive hotels from 5* to 3*. Georgy Masmanidis from Mouzenidis Travel Greece noted an increase in demand to Athens: in this region the tour operator has 3 hotels of its own: one in the capital, within the city, and others in Attica and on the island of Evia. "The growth trend of the Athens region made us to launch the regional flight program Krasnodar - Athens for the winter period 2018-2019", - said Mr. Masmanidis. Almost all the experts reported that there would not be a significant increase in the cost of living in Greek hotels. “Prices in euros for staying in hotels will change slightly, by about 5%. How much the prices of the tours will change in ruble equivalent will depend on the exchange rate,” TUI Russia operator noted. Mouzenidis Travel tour operator opened early booking for the summer 2019 in July. Currently, the discount rate for a number of hotels reaches 45%. This is the first stage of an early booking with a maximum discount; at further stages the discount will be reduced. In “Intourist” early booking in the hotels of SANI RESORT and IKOS RESORTS chains was opened in August. At TUI Russia, early booking of tours to Greece started in September: discounts on hotel accommodation now reach 30%. ANEX Tour, PEGAS Touristik and Biblio-Globus tour operators started early booking in November. As it was noted in the press service of Biblio-Globus, within the framework of the action, traditionally discounts on accommodation will be 10 - 20%.