Stating that the tourism wars continue without slowing down in the shadow of the corona struggle, NBK Touristic General Manager Recep Yavuz noted that considering the numerical density, 50 major countries determine the world tourism activity by receiving and sending tourists. During the first 10 in the tourist area part of Turkey and Yavuz pointed out that one of the most important actors of this competition, this environment experienced in the world tourism industry development and drew attention to some dangers against Antalya.
EU POLITICS POINTS THE CRETE
Saying that competition is not only experienced in terms of product, country, price and service, Yavuz said, “At the same time, the moves of political authorities along with lobbying and marketing determine the course. In addition to all this, press and media guidance that occurs periodically and especially during crisis and problematic periods is added. And usually a hero is created in that process. If we look at the recent developments in Europe, the statements of the tourism professionals and the news in the press, it seems that the hero of this year will be Crete, “he said.
EUROPE FOCUSED ON CRETE
Noting that Crete reservations even exceeded Majorca for the first time during the week, Yavuz said that publications and promotions about Crete are kept alive. Stating that he hardly mentions Antalya, which is stuck with the EU’s corona restrictions, Yavuz said, “TUI recently reported that Crete is ahead of Majorca in its current reservations in Germany and Rhodes and Kos are among the top 5 in its reservations. It is thought that Greece has overcome the corona process in a controlled manner and has taken a step ahead in 2021 by taking hygiene measures behind with low case numbers. In other words, Europe is clearly focused on Greece on vacation these days, “he said.
THEY CANNOT SAVE A SECOND YEAR WITHOUT TOURISM
Drawing attention to the fact that Greece will not be able to survive a year without tourism for the second time after the severe corona syndrome, Yavuz said, “Greece in crisis means the EU in crisis. That is why support is not only due to love, but also from economic anxiety. The contribution of Greece’s tourism revenues to GNP is around 12 percent directly and around 30 percent indirectly. Tourism revenue, which was 18 billion Euros in 2019, fell to 8 billion Euros in 2020. According to the central bank of Greece, this has caused a 5 percent hole in GNP. 70 percent of the visitors were from EU countries. Only German visitors make up 13 percent, “he said.
GREECE’S MOST IMPORTANT CASTLE
Stating that Greece’s tourism and budget, which turned upside down last year, could not bear the same fate in 2021, Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis called on EU countries and said, “With the vaccine passport, he demanded that travel within EU countries not be restricted and the obligation to test and quarantine be lifted. In addition, Greece, which has its eyes on markets outside the EU, recently signed a bilateral agreement with Israel. Similar negotiations are being conducted with the UK. It is especially preferred by Cyprus, Israel, Russian and British tourists. Crete is the most important castle of tourism in Greece, “he said.
WILL BE A COMPETITION OF ANTALYA?
Noting that the moves of Greece are on Crete, Yavuz said, “Well, will Crete be a rival of Antalya? It would never happen under normal conditions, but not if Antalya is not blocked. As of today, we cannot say that there is no such thing. It is getting harder to make a reservation in Antalya right now, amid uncertainties. Many sanctions and obstacles are placed in front of the tourist who will make a reservation and I think the travel agencies recommend other destinations similar to Antalya in order not to lose the customer. Because not to miss the customer, to make hot sales and to put money in the cash register is the only branch that travel agencies, which are about to collapse, can hold on, “he said.
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