2011 is bound to be better than 2010

After a very problematic 2010, the greekhoteliers, are forecasting a better 2011. “Greece is now a competitive destination in relation to Turkey and other European destinations,” says Giorgos Tsakiris, president of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels. “Barring events that could turn people away, next year is bound to be better than 2010.”

Greek hotels managed to keep the number of visitors up during a very hard year, with great reductions in room prices. But that will not be enough for 2011. Hoteliers are asking a reduction in VAT for  tourism services, as it is shown that for 1 percent decline in the price, a 3 percent increase is expected in the number of visitors. More visitors ultimately mean more money for the central government as well, even with a lower vat income.

 

 

Elounda peninsula

Elounda is a small village in crete, mostly known for its luxury hotels, like elounda mare, peninsula etc.

Elounda bay

But that is not the only luxury elounda provides. Next to the golf courses and swimming pools there are a number of small taverns, apartments for rent and the beautiful sea. Elounda bay is much like a lagoon, the east part of which is the peninsula of spinalonga or kolokitha, or simply the “island” as the natives call it. The island is a NATURA protected area, where no human constructions are allowed.

Following the only road to the island up to a point, and walking a couple of hundred meters down the hill, the traveler reaches the most beautiful beach of elounda, kolokitha. There is no other easy way to reach the rest (fortunately:) )and much much less crowded beaches of the island, if you don’t feel like walking, you can only reach them by boat.

Elounda peninsula and spinalonga