p15 CGT_Q&A 6/7/09 12:26 Page 15
Q&A Cyprus, Greece & Turkey
Q&A
Photis Lambrianides
Photis joined Olympic Holidays as commercial
director, the position he still holds, nearly 10 years
ago. He has been involved with tourism to Cyprus for
more than 20 years and considers Cyprus his second
home, having lived there up to the age of 19
HOW ARE OLYMPIC’S SALES FOR.
the school holidays — now a very high percent-
THIS SUMMER SHAPING UP?.
age opt for seven nights in July or August and
The market is still very tough and our overall we’ve also seen good take-up of our 10 and
sales so far are behind last year. We’ve seen an 11-night packages. Weddings are extremely
unorthodox booking pattern, with a recovery popular in Cyprus and are becoming ever more
in the lates market for May, June and early popular in the Greek islands as couples seek to
July, based on price, while bookings for the avoid the high cost of marrying at home.
July-August peak have been slow since the
credit crunch hit. Turkey sales are up on last
WHICH RESORTS DO YOU TIP FOR.
year because we increased capacity.
POPULARITY THIS YEAR?.
Malia in Crete offers great holidays for young
WHAT ARE FUTURE PROSPECTS.
people and is all set to retain its popularity,
LOOKING LIKE FOR THE REGION?.
while Ixia in Rhodes, with its many four and
The region offers huge potential for long-term five-star hotels and big all-inclusive choice, will
growth. As a whole, it’s politically stable, with also see good demand. Cavos in Corfu is a
the diversity of product that tourists have come popular self-catering choice this summer and
to demand. The region competes very effectively Skiathos is still getting a spin-off as the film
with the western Med in terms of price, location of Mamma Mia! In Cyprus, Paphos
product and appeal — this will remain the looks to be the number one choice for families
case as long as hoteliers are sensible in keeping this summer, while in Turkey, Bodrum and
prices under control in the next few years. Marmaris are doing better than last year.
WHAT IMPACT IS THE RECESSION HAVING ON. HOW CAN TRAVEL AGENTS.
PEOPLE'S HOLIDAY CHOICES THIS SUMMER?. BEST SELL THE REGION?.
CV Photis Lambrianides
People are budgeting more carefully than Cyprus, Greece and Turkey offer outstanding
before and opting for half-board. We are seeing value for money, with a wide selection of hotels General manager, Cyprair 1987-2000
much stronger take-up of all-inclusive products and apartments on sale. Agents should keep an Commercial director, Olympic
— because people don’t have to worry about eye out for late availability on a wide choice of Holidays 2000-2009
additional expenses in resort. As a further discounted self-catering holidays and hotels,
incentive, we now offer to refund a client’s right up to five-star. Recommend all-inclusives Photis enjoys travelling with his
money if they become unemployed after book- and self-catering for the best family value. family. As well as Cyprus and the
ing and advise us four weeks prior to departure. Greek islands, his favourite
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT.
destinations include the US and
WHAT ARE THE EMERGING TRENDS. TO HOLIDAY IN THE REGION?.
Canada, especially the Rockies and
IN THE REGION?.
I have a soft spot for Pissouri Bay in Cyprus. It’s Vancouver. Gardening, the cinema and
The average holiday is becoming shorter. Ten very picturesque and within easy reach of “a bit of DIY” fill his spare leisure time.
years ago, most families went for a fortnight in Paphos and Limassol.
TTG Knowledge – July 2009
15
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