Vacations are too expensive for the Greeks

Greeks are facing an average 30% increase in the cost of their holidays this year, compared to 2019, according to a senior Greek tourism official, due to the increase in hospitality and transportation operating costs, as well as the huge demand for households. And seats compared to this year’s show.

Due to rising costs and limited availability, an increasing number of Greeks are planning to spend the summer in their vacation homes, stay in their hometown, or even choose a vacation abroad that may end up being quite affordable.

The demand for holidays in Greece this summer has grown beyond expectations, as the country and its tourism sector benefit from their positive operations during the pandemic and on the general modernization of infrastructures, hospitality and the so-called “Greece” brand. As demand continues to rise, costs are also inflating, due to higher energy prices and inflation driving up prices for goods and services in general.

The head of the Hellenic Hotel Association, Gregoris Tasios, told the organization’s general meeting a few days ago that the average operating costs of hotels had risen by 25%-30%. Tourism industry sources recognize a large share of this rise on the shoulders of guests, noting that the sector’s accumulated obligations during the pandemic do not allow the costs to be absorbed.

With the holidays approaching and a large portion of Greeks – as well as potential visitors from abroad – haven’t made any reservations yet, they may face a higher bill for one more reason: deals were made with major tour operators abroad at the start of 2022, when no one could foresee Significant increases in energy and transportation costs.

As a result, companies are pricing the remaining beds (if they have them) at higher rates for the peak months of July and August, to offset losses from deals signed last fall for this summer. What this means in practical terms is that two families can stay in similar rooms next to each other, one paying 150 euros per night and the other 300 euros.

So it’s no surprise that many families have decided to look for affordable vacation packages in other countries.