Greek mountain hoteliers note that a three day weekend does not spell success

The hoteliers of Greek semi-mountainous and mountainous areas who are preparing to welcome their first guests on the three day weekend of October 28th while also experiencing existential angst.

Bookings for this particular three-day period is very satisfactory, but throughout October the occupancies will fluctuate on average at 15%, industry actors note and express their anxiety about how the units will remain viable due to the increased energy costs.

For the three days of October 28, occupancy is expected to be at very high levels (80-90%). But, before and after the three-day holiday hiatus, the situation is hopeless, points out Mr. Angelos Kallias, President of the Hoteliers of Drama and head of the mountain area branch of the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX). As he explains overall for October the occupancies are set at 10%-15% for all areas of mainland Greece. This fact combined with the increases in operating costs makes the winter bet very difficult, underlines Mr. Kallias.

Problems

These concerns were discussed in detail at the 2nd meeting of representatives of hoteliers of mountainous winter destinations of the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) in Trikala, Corinth last week. The meeting was attended by hoteliers from the regions: Kalavryta, Trikala Corinthia, Arcadia, Karpenissi, Imathia, Pieria, Drama, Ioannina, Grevena, Kastoria, Florina, Magnesia, Kalambaka, Pozar.

All the members expressed their strong concern about how the units will survive as one cannot “build” a success story for the winter, on just two three three days, in a season of 130 days,  Mr. Kallias noted on social media.