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Greek Travel for 2003 |
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Magical year for travelers, challenging one for providers
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Advice for A Greece Travel Novice - "I am visiting Greece by myself for the first time - any advice?"
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Looking ahead for 2003, it's shaping up to be a great year for travelers and a difficult one for providers.
With the threat of a U.S. - Iraqi war hanging over the region, some travelers are second-guessing their plans. This is unfortunate as any conflict will be far from Greece, but geography wasn't a strong subject for many.
With the worldwide downturn in travel after 9/11, Greece already suffered a quiet 2002 tourism season, and 2003 looks to stay relatively flat.
Recent outbreaks of illness on cruise ships - none of them operating in Greek waters - will also reduce the number of visitors as cruise lines fight to draw back customers. But this also means there are some wonderful cruise bargains out there for the brave and the bold, including some deluxe lines.
Olympic preparations are closing some monuments, including such gems as the National Museum of Archaeology, parts of the Acropolis, and other sites.
Many hotels, primarily upscale venues, are also closed to complete renovations in time for the Olympic Games in 2004.
On the plus side, the Athens Metro is operating smoothly, the new Eleftherios Venizelos airport at Spata is settling in, and access roads, while still under construction in some areas, are coming to completion.
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Many upscale hotels are closed for renovations, making for a squeeze in luxury rooms for the early part of the season.
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The conversion to the Euro has resulted in the rise of some prices as merchants and vendors tend to round up. While this practice in many cases is illegal, due to government-set prices, it's still happening. The most frequently reported irritation is that it has driven the price of beer up. This is happening most often in the tourist areas; if you have the time, energy, and a sufficient sense of outrage you might try complaining to the local tourist police. Once again, the tourist police are not there to arrest tourists (though rowdy behavior is being cracked down on, especially on Rhodes, but that's taken care of by the "real" police). They are there to assist, provide advice, and to handle any overcharging or other disputes with merchants and service providers. Does it work all the time? That's open to debate but it probably helps keep everyone honest.
Unfortunately, with the slow tourist seasons, price violations are more likely to occur as small operations strive to keep going. Often, this won't be a true "violation" but will be strict adherance to official posted policies - such as a two-night minimum stay fee or half-board requirement - things that might have been waived in the past but now represent a crucial bit of income.
As Balkan ski resorts start drawing more EU skiers, there is a bit of an overflow effect into Greece's often-neglected mountains. Greek ski operators have also been spiffing up their facilities, and this season will see a slight rise in the number of foreign skiers hitting the slopes of Hellas.
In general, travelers will enjoy fewer crowds and a slower pace throughout Greece. Book tours and transit early as some routes may be cut due to decreased demand.
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