The economic crisis in Greece has forced agents and operators to revive old partnerships as customers look for the security of booking with the trade, according to leading operators to the country.
As official GfK Ascent-MI figures showed bookings for Greece down 31% year on year for the first week of May, agents and operators at a Cretan lunch in London this week were concerned that recent media coverage was putting people off Greece.
Following demonstrations in Athens against austerity measures, Sunvil managing director Noel Josephides reported a growing desire for trust between client and agent, and agent and operator.
“The low-cost flights model and rise of the internet has stretched these relationships, but this is reversing as people look for security,” he said.
Ionian Island Holidays director Alexandros Matsukis added: “Consumers and agents are aware of the benefits of booking with tour operators and agents at the moment.
“Holidaymakers want someone to rely on for help when something goes wrong and agents are relying more on operators and looking to book packages because they know clients will be looked after.”
Dimitri Patrikios, managing director of Aegean Island Holidays, said the Greek economy was reliant on tourism and visitors would be “welcomed with open arms”.
“A lot of customers are worried but we’ve made it clear that the riots were in a tiny part of Athens and it was predominantly a peaceful protest. It is like saying people shouldn’t go to Cornwall because there is a demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament. And besides, very few tourists go to Athens in the summer.”
Margaret Ridler, director of The Travellers Boutique, said clients were concerned, but she was not worried about sending people to Greece.
“Some people are wondering if there are going to be big discounts,” she added.
Photis Lambrianides, Olympic Holidays commercial director, said some hoteliers had reacted by offering discounts and added-value.