World Travel Market - positive indications for Corfu tourist season next year

"The messages from the largest and most significant tourism exhibition, WTM, for the upcoming tourist season are positive," Spyros Halikiopoulos, President of the Association of Corfu Travel Agents told Enimerosi. "We had several contacts as tourism professionals with tour operators from several countries, with airlines, and with the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). Positive news for our island includes the extension of the tourist season by Jet2."

He noted that Corfu generally has high demand as a tourist destination; however, this does not mean that there should be complacency. On the contrary, there is a need to reorganise and plan, starting with the infrastructure of our island.

There is an increase in bookings, following the overall trend in Greece. This is attributed to the fact that the British prefer to book their holidays early to secure better prices with early bookings. Additionally, the dramatic events in Israel serve as a deterrent for Europeans to plan trips to Turkey and Egypt, redirecting bookings to our country.

"Bookings are increasing compared to last year," said Babis Voulgaris, President of the Corfu Hoteliers Association, from London. "Of course, there is some concern about the war in the Middle East and how it will unfold. However, Greece and Corfu continue to be considered strong and stable brands,"

Meanwhile, the Corfu booth has come in for heavy criticism from the island's tourism stakeholders, contrasting it with the presence of Rhodes at the exhibition, with its own separate booth of 50 square meters and rich material for visitors.

"On the negative side, I should mention the Corfu booth," said Mr. Halikiopoulos. "A completely plain and indifferent space, without any elements representing Corfu. It was also not functional at all, as in the Ionian Islands Region area, there were two small tables with chairs for all the Ionian Islands. Most of our scheduled meetings with our partners were taking place outside our booth. Corfu should step forward from January 1, 2024, and become a pioneer rather than following other tourist destinations in Greece."

He added that these are issues that need to be discussed soon, and through proper planning and programming, a new beginning should be made with an impressive presence at the ITB Exhibition, which takes place in Berlin in March.

"It is very important to engage and invest in the branding of Corfu and, at the same time, in our proper and dignified presence at major tourism exhibitions and beyond," he concluded.