The sun will shine, the sea will be blue and local tavernas will be keen for British visitors’ custom
Sunvil Real Greece is reassuring customers that the Greek economic crisis will not affect their holidays. The independent operator, now in its 40th year, carries thousands of passengers to Greece every year and doubts very much that visitors will notice any change.
Says Dudley der Parthog, director of the Greece programme: “We’ve had one or two telephone calls from clients asking what will happen if Greece ‘goes bust’. A country in economic difficulties is not like a company or person in the same situation. Even in the worst-case scenario – which would mean Greece defaulting on its sovereign debt (the nation-state equivalent of bankruptcy) – life will carry on. The Greek people’s personal circumstances will doubtless be adversely affected by higher taxes and public sector cuts, but this should not impact in any way on visitors.
“Don’t forget what happened in Iceland in 2008 – it went bankrupt and tourism boomed. In fact, it had its best year ever for visitor numbers,” he adds.
One effect already seen has been the increase in public demonstrations and strikes. But, as der Parthog points out: “These political demonstrations take place in the centre of major cities, such as Athens or Thessaloniki, and will not affect the islands or seaside resorts.”
Strikes are always a potential problem in Greece and Sunvil Real Greece has dealt with many, most of which its customers were unaware had even taken place. In the event of a strike, Sunvil would carefully monitor the situation and, if necessary, adjust itineraries to take into account any threatened strike days. “After the major work involved in looking after our customers during the volcanic ash situation”, says der Parthog, “I’m glad to say that strikes are relatively straightforward to handle.”
Der Parthog also adds: “One positive outcome, for British visitors at least, is that this crisis has had the effect of weakening the Euro, so UK guests should find things a bit cheaper on the ground this year. The eternals of Greece’s huge appeal have not changed – the sun will still shine, the sea will remain blue, and the local tavernas and shops are as keen for your custom as ever.
“The message is clear: Greece is very much open for business and looking forward to welcoming its foreign guests in 2010.”
Sunvil believes strongly that it has a clear moral obligation to look after its clients in difficult circumstances. For example, during the volcanic ash problems, it organised and paid for accommodation for its customers abroad, made alternative arrangements to bring them back and generally did its best on clients’ behalf – an exercise that cost it many tens of thousands of pounds.
Sunvil began as a small tour operator featuring Cyprus in 1970; it now produces 11 brochures a year, plus some web-only programmes, to a range of destinations worldwide. Sunvil has always stayed true to its original mission to provide sustainable, low-volume, low-impact tourism to areas off the beaten track. Sister companies include Greek Islands Club, Expert Africa and Wild About Africa. All of Sunvil’s holidays include 100% financial protection for consumers.
To book Greece holidays online, and for full information, please visit www.sunvil.co.uk or call 020 8758 4758.
Ends May 2010
Press: For further details, or to interview Dudley der Parthog, please contact Sarah Belcher at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or s.belcher@travelpr.co.uk.