Greece benefits from changes in tourism map

The world’s tourism map is being redrawn at lightning speed as holidaymakers switch preferences prompted by terror attacks, epidemics and migrant crises.

“There is no doubt that the whole Middle East region is today associated with insecurity in the mind of the Western tourist,” said Wouter Geerts, analyst at the Euromonitor research company.

“We expect countries such as Greece, Portugal and Spain to largely benefit from the situation, offering similar weather, competitive prices and security,” he said.

The sudden surge in demand is leading to higher prices in these destinations.

“Hotel owners tell clients: ‘Instead of charging 50 euros per double room, I’m going to charge 55 – take it or leave it. If you don’t want it, others will,’” said Olivier Petit, at the In Extenso firm.

[AFP]