![Christmas Holiday Season: Hotel Bookings Soar](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pelion-2048x1365-1.jpg)
Greeks are preparing for the Christmas holiday season, with hotel reservations currently ranging between 40 percent and 60 percent.
Depending on the region, the upcoming 15-day Christmas period is expected to be one of the best in recent years, according to Angelos Kallias, the head of the informal group of hoteliers in mountainous and semi-mountainous destinations.
Mr. Kallias, who also serves as the president of the Drama Hoteliers Association and the general secretary of the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers, highlighted the positive outlook for the holiday season.
On average, prices have seen a 5% increase, indicating that hoteliers have absorbed a portion of the rising operational costs, as noted by Mr. Kallias.
As the holiday season approaches, demand is expected to peak, reaching an average reservation rate of 85%-90% during the festive 15-day period. However, between Christmas and New Year’s, and before and after the festive lights, reservations tend to decline.
Demand is high in areas near urban centers and traditional destinations such as Kalavryta, Arachova, and Arcadia. Additionally, there is significant demand for the Zagorochoria and regions in Macedonia from the East (Drama) to the West (Florina).
Pelion Peninsula Experiences Encouraging Demand
The demand for the Pelion Peninsula is encouraging, with reservations already at 50% and expected to reach 100% during the holiday season. Some hotels remain closed either due to damages or lack of access, resulting in higher occupancy rates for those in operation.
Christmas Parks Boost Tourism, Drawing International Visitors
The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by Christmas parks, appealing not only to children but also to adults. The Mill of the Elves in Trikala and Dreamland in Drama have commenced operations, welcoming their first visitors.
Kallias noted increased reservations in Drama before Christmas weekends due to Dreamland’s operation, which started on November 28. Furthermore, Dreamland is already attracting visitors from neighboring Bulgaria, either for day trips or overnight stays. Plans are underway to intensify promotion in neighboring countries in the coming years for the Christmas Park’s operation.
As the holiday season unfolds, the Greek hospitality industry anticipates a vibrant and successful period, attracting both domestic and international visitors to explore the diverse and festive offerings of the country’s picturesque destinations.
Source: tovima.com
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![ELSTAT: Building Permits Increased by 40.1% in Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/oikod1-600x380.png)
ELSTAT: Building Permits Increased by 40.1% in Greece
Focusing on Private Construction Activity during this period, there was a 41.8% increase in building permits nationwide, a 40.2% rise in the area, and a 26.8% expansion in volume
![Greek Economy: Bankers’ Insights on Investments and Reforms](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ot_bankers4-600x352.png)
Greek Economy: Bankers’ Insights on Investments and Reforms
He also noted that the Recovery and Resilience Fund has seen over 50% of its funds absorbed, with more than 20% having been directed into the real economy.
![Greece: Airbnb Occupancy Hits 40% in June](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/airbnb-1-600x400.jpg)
Greece: Airbnb Occupancy Hits 40% in June
This growth, averaging about 20,000 new units per month, pushed the total number of accommodations to 224,860 by June, up from 204,578 the previous year.
![Fraport: Greece’s Regional Airports See 5.9% June Surge](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_airport_affixeis-1-1-600x352.png)
Fraport: Greece’s Regional Airports See 5.9% June Surge
Overall, during the first half of 2024, Fraport Greece's airports achieved remarkable results, handling more than 12.7 million passengers, a 7.8% increase compared to 2023.
![SFEE: Just 1 in 5 New Pharmaceutical Drugs Reach Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ΦΑΡΜΑΚΑ-shutterstock_1467910202-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
SFEE: Just 1 in 5 New Pharmaceutical Drugs Reach Greece
Greece spends 70% less than the European average on pharmaceuticals, and Greek patients face significant challenges accessing pharmaceutical drugs and treatments that are available in the country
![Attica Bank: Merger Process With Pancreta Commences](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/attica-bank-2048x1288-1-600x377.jpg)
Attica Bank: Merger Process With Pancreta Commences
A relevant announcement said the merger with Pancreta is expected to be completed by mid September
![Crete’s Heraklion Port Concession Deal Approved](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/heraklion-port2-1-600x369.jpg)
Crete’s Heraklion Port Concession Deal Approved
Owner of Minoan Lines Grimaldi Group acquired a 67% share of the port for a total price of 80 million euros
![Santorini Warning of Cruise Passenger Influx Causes Uproar](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/santorini1-600x400.jpg)
Santorini Warning of Cruise Passenger Influx Causes Uproar
A Santorini councilman urged locals to stay put and limit their activities during the arrival of cruise ships due to overtourism
![European Commission Approves Fourth 2.3 Billion Loan Payment to Greece Under RRF](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/european_commission_hq-flags_web-3-600x375.jpg)
European Commission Approves Fourth 2.3 Billion Loan Payment to Greece Under RRF
The Commission's preliminary assessment of Greece's request, completed on June 14, 2024, was positive, reflecting Greece's successful implementation of its recovery and resilience plan
![Greek Tourism: Projects Shaping the Landscape](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mandarin-Oriental-Costa-Navarino-Ormos-Beach-Club-1024x767-1-600x449.jpg)
Greek Tourism: Projects Shaping the Landscape
In Vonitsa, Aetolia-Acarnania, the Varko Bay resort is emerging as the first ultra-luxury retreat by Banyan Tree in Europe