The Greek Economic Crisis

Will it affect my Greece holiday?

We have fielded a number of calls recently from clients nervous about how the current Greek economic woes will affect their holiday. The simple answer is that we doubt very much you will notice any change. 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 with higher taxes and public sector cuts (sounds familiar!) but this should not impact visitors.

One effect already seen has been an increase in public demonstrations and strikes. These political demonstrations take place in the centre of major cities such as Athens or Thessaloniki - they will not affect the islands or seaside resorts. Strikes are always a risk in Greece and we have dealt with many over the past 35 years, many of which our customers were unaware had even taken place. They are most likely to affect public sector workers, banks and transport. In the event of a threatened strike which may affect your trip, we will be carefully monitoring the situation and take precautionary action should we feel it necessary. For example, it may be that, if you are on an island relying on ferry connections, we adjust your itinerary to take any threatened any strike days into account. Please note that Sunvil's private transfer arrangements - including coaches, taxis and our charter boats to Paxos and Ithaca - are not affected by strike action even when public transportation is.

So we would like to reassure you that Greece is very much open for business and looking forward to welcoming its foreign guests in 2010. One positive to come out, 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 remain blue, and local tavernas and shops as keen for your custom as ever!

Dudley Der Parthog,
Greece Director.