Joanna Booth identifies the destination’s top selling points to tempt your customers
1. Highlight value
Greece is still more competitively priced than the western Mediterranean, so customers can stretch their holiday budgets further. Olympic Holidays can offer half-board at a three-star property in Crete for £10.75 per person per day.
2. Make money go further
Cosmos product and commercial manager Erica Collins said: “Greece is not known for its all-inclusive options. But this summer there will be more all-inclusive properties across all destinations.” The price security of all-inclusive will be popular in this uncertain economic climate, so sell it to clients who want to set their budget in stone.
3. Point them to the beach
Greece offers the perfect beach holiday. The sea is calm and safe for swimming and there are good water sports facilities. Beaches in the popular resorts are busy, but you can find secluded coves for peaceful sunbathing. The Greek islands offer great beach resorts, as does the Halkidiki area of the mainland.
4. Do it for the kids
Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides said: “Greeks love kids and the family is a real focal point. Children are always welcome at restaurants, and hotels have extensive kids’ programmes.” Look for free child places which may persuade your customer to book.
5. Let them live in luxury
Libra and Argo product manager Chris Constantinou said: “Greece has been perceived as pretty but cheap, and standards fell behind other destinations. But now there are great new four and five-star properties in Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Santorini, Kos and Zante. The quality of luxury hotels now matches Cyprus, but with lower prices.”
6. Emphasise ease
First Choice and Thomson short and mid-haul general manager, product Alex Lofthus said: “You can fly to Greece from 24 UK airports in three to four hours. There’s a wide choice of times and dates, so customers have flexibility and choice.” There are also a number of airports to fly into.
Escape the crowds by hopping on the ferry to another island as many tourists stay where the flight lands. Paxos is only two hours from Corfu, Skopelos one hour and 15 minutes from Skiathos and Ithaca a 45-minute hop from Kefalonia. Some operators also charter boats.
7. Offer a history fix
It’s not known as the cradle of Western civilisation for nothing. Greece is full of breathtaking sights such as the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens and the ruins in Delphi, Thessaloniki, Knossos and Corinth. It’s not just ancient remains; there’s
a rich vein of Byzantine history, too.
8. Choose where to stay
There is accommodation to suit any traveller. Hotels run from top-end luxury down to two-star places offering a basic service. International brands such as Iberostar are opening properties, but there are family-owned, authentically Greek options too.
Large resorts offer a wide range of facilities, and if clients want self-catering they can choose between
a traditional house in a picturesque village or an apartment in a complex.
9. Pick a party town
Kavos, Malia, Faliraki and Laganas are booming party towns where the younger market can enjoy the nightlife as bars and clubs stay open until dawn.
10. Find peace and quiet
There’s always a place to go to escape the madding crowds. Sunvil Greece director Dudley der Parthog said: “If clients are travelling in high season and want peace and quiet steer them away from the small islands as they fill up quickly.
The larger islands manage to absorb more visitors and if you head away from the busy resorts there are beautiful areas off the beaten track. Lutro in Crete is only accessible by boat and never gets busy.”
11. Enjoy the scenery
The Greek mainland has dramatic mountains, which are great for those who enjoy walking holidays, or a flydrive option where they can appreciate the scenery and explore tiny traditional villages. Northern Greece is particularly breathtaking.
12. Find foodie heaven
Many flock to Greece for the cuisine, from fresh salads packed with feta to hearty moussaka or souvlaki. Eating out is relatively cheap and there are local tavernas selling traditional food all over the place.
13. Dig out the best offers
Get your client to book by pointing out all the discounts and offers available. There is everything from early booking discounts to single parent concessions, free child places, group discounts and even two weeks for the price of one at the beginning and end of the season.
14. Let them explore
Whether motoring around the mainland or hopping between islands on the speedy Flying Dolphin ferries, Greece is easy to explore. You can stay in different areas or visit for the day.
15. Make a proposal
Greece is a popular destination for Brits tying the knot abroad. Ceremonies can take place in hotels or in picturesque Greek wedding chapels, and it’s a relatively inexpensive location.
