Whenever there is a crisis – real or perceived – it is difficult to plot a path between media reports and official statements to find out exactly what is going on.
Over recent months, in the run-up to the peak season, this has particularly been the case in relation to Greece.
On the one hand, the 24-hour consumer news machine covers every twist and turn and, invariably, speculates on worst-case scenarios to fill TV airtime and newspaper column inches. On the other hand, you have official bodies and businesses desperate to reassure people. Inevitably, there will be commercial, professional or personal incentives to paint a positive picture.
At such times, the best way to gain a true picture is to hear from those with personal experience. So I was heartened to hear a succession of reports from people on the ground in Greece this week.
Abta chairman Noel Josephides was kind enough to relate his experiences in Thessaloniki and provides a vastly different perspective on the state of Greece to that presented in the national press.
Travel Weekly managing editor Robin Searle returned from a holiday in Lemnos and executive editor Ian Taylor visited Crete, and both came back wholeheartedly supporting Noel’s analysis.
There is no point pretending everything is suddenly rosy for the Greek economy or that people are not seriously concerned about their futures. But we can be confident the tourist experience in Greece is as wonderful as it always has been.
I hope you have had similar reports from people you trust, as Greece needs our support and your bookings.