Dying to see the Acropolis or check out one of those beautiful Greek islands with those great beaches, blue-painted roofs and doors, and seaside cafes? It appears to be a good time to do so.
According to a story on travelmole, a study by Tripadvisor in the UK showed hotel prices in Greece have fallen by as much as 20 per cent.
The company looked at nine popular Greek destinations and found that all but two (sadly, but expectedly perhaps, two of the most popular spots for tourists) have seen hotel rates fall significantly in the past year.
The biggest fall was in Corfu, where hotel rates have dropped on average by 20 per cent. Corfu is full of rich history and sights. Here’s what Frommers has to say about the island on its web site: “Cast aside the Corfu package tour…and you will find Homer’s ‘rich and beautiful land’ of hazy olive groves and rugged mountains, 20 miles off the west coast of Greece. The ouzo-fuelled revelry and beaches are there if you want them, but this island also has culture and poetic landscapes.”
Rates in Zakynthos dropped 12.4 per cent, while rates in Athens dropped 7.9 per cent and prices in Crete – another lovely part of Greece – fell 7.7 per cent.
Prices, however, in Santorini were up 0.1 per cent and rates in Mykonos rose 0.7 per cent.
“While the Greek economy has experienced a traumatic year, the silver lining for tourism could be an increase in visitors due to the lower prices in many of its popular destinations,” said Emma Shaw, a TripAdvisor spokesperson.
In a recent story in the Los Angeles Times, a top official with deals site TravelZoo said Greece has to reel in some vacation dollars.
TravelZoo recently offered an eight-night vacation package in Greece with air from New York for $1,499 a person, the official said. It included two nights in Athens, three in Mykonos and three nights in Santorini, plus ferry service and breakfast. (The deal was posted Jan. 25 and may no longer be available.)
“Is this a package that we’d see if the current situation was much different and much better? Probably not,” said Gabe Saglie, senior editor with TravelZoo.
Will you get caught up in the insanity of a riot or a strike? It’s possible, Nicholas Hadgis, Dean of the School of Hospitality Management at Widener University in Chester, Penn., told the Times.
“Be prepared to be patient when there are random strikes,” he said. “Greece for years—even before the crisis—had random strikes.”
Being away from Athens also may be a good idea if you’re looking to bask in the sun without the overlay of tension.
(Source: www.thestar.com, The Times, LA times)
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