According to a report from the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) in the UK & Ireland, pre-sale tourist bookings for 2019 from the United Kingdom to Greece are up by 10 percent over last year. GNTO officials attribute some of the growth to gaining popularity of Greek ski resorts.
(GNTO) UK & Ireland Office Director Emy Anagnostopoulou told reporters last week that few people are aware of Greece’s ski resorts within a short distance of her major cities. The official went on to point out that the Greece mainland is one of Europe’s most mountainous regions, and that the country has 19 world class ski resorts.
Awareness of this fact has led to some of the new bookings, but Greece as a destination for UK and Ireland travelers is gaining popularity overall. Anagnostopoulou had this to add for reporters:
“We are expecting a 15 percent global increase in arrivals and we expect to exceed our target of 32 million international visitors this year. In the UK, we are 10.4 percent up to date and 10 percent up on pre-sale from the UK for next year.
Greece’s largest resort is Arachova, close to Delphi, in Central Greece has more than 20 ski slopes. Ms. Anagnostopoulou says that Arachova is the “Winter Mykonos” for enthusiasts aware of the resort’s touristic value. She also pointed out the flexibility of being able to tour Athens and then hit Mt. Parnassos on a Winter getaway.
The growing number of flight options to Greece is also helping expand the touristic season during the “shoulder” months at the beginning and end of the summer season – with a new range of soft adventure options. Greek officials have been encouraging “off-season” flights from various airlines for years now. Finally, airlines like Ryanair, Cobalt, and several Russian carries are increasing these flight options.
Many regions and islands in Greece – including Andros and Tinos – are using their mountainous territory to develop and further promote walking trails to attract visitors outside the traditional summer months.
The GNTO announcement also encourages those attending WTM London 2018 in November to visit Venue EU1000 to learn more about Greece’s touristic offers.