TOUR operators are being offered cash incentives by the
Greek government to extend the summer season to Halkidiki.
It has pledged to pay operators £24 for every customer they
send to the resort between March 15 and the end of April and from mid-October
to the end of November.
Halkidiki Hotel Association president Makis Athanassopovlos
said the move was designed simply to increase visitor numbers.
“Thomson send around 60,000 holidaymakers here but companies
like First Choice, Airtours and JMC send around 12,000 to 14,000 holidaymakers
to Halkidiki and we think they could double that,” he said. “We are not trying
to become a year-round destination – about 95% of the hotels close during
winter – but we feel the summer season could be extended.”
Tourist chiefs are also expected to persuade major operators
to increase their charter capacity to the resort.
Athanassopovlos said it was on course for 20% growth in 2001
from the UK, and 5% overall.
“Despite what happened on September 11 we will have a
good year. We had very few cancellations” he said. “I think 2002 will also be
okay although clients may leave it later to book.”