NEWS EXPLORA I SETS SAIL:


Agents and representatives from Explora Journeys celebrate the long-awaited launch of the line’s first ship, Explora I, on its maiden voyage from Copenhagen to Reykjavik. The vessel, which cost $827 million to build, is the first of six ships due for launch by the new luxury brand – part of the MSC Group – between now and 2028. Explora I has 461 Ocean Suites, Penthouses and Residences, and offers six restaurants and in-suite dining, along with 12 bars and lounges. In addition, it boasts four swimming pools, outdoor decks with private cabanas and wellness facilities.


Greece demand ‘still strong’ as country plans promotions


Juliet Dennis


Travel agents say demand for Greece has not waned despite the recent wildfires as the tourist board plans immediate fam trips and joint promotions. The Greek government


evacuated around 19,000 people from Rhodes on July 22-23 and more than 2,000 in Corfu were moved to safety after wildfires intensified and temperatures reached record levels. The largest-ever wildfire


three out of 75 hotels in the area of Rhodes struck by wildfires have suffered from “partial damage”, according to Greek authorities. “If anything, people planning to


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go to Rhodes still largely feel strongly about continuing with their trips to support the tourism economy,” said Barrhead Travel president Jacqueline Dobson, who added: “Time and time again, we see situations that shine a light on the benefits


of booking with a reputable agent.” Dawson & Sanderson said clients


evacuation in the country’s history included thousands of Brits, forcing operators to cancel holidays and bring clients home. Travel agents contacted customers


in resort to offer support and amend imminent departures. But the trade said the fires failed


to dampen last-minute demand, with no sign of holidaymakers cancelling existing holidays to Greece. Only


travelweekly.co.uk


were still booking Greece for this summer. Business development director David Chambers said: “It’s not put people off.” The Advantage Travel Partnership


activated its 24/7 crisis team, created an information page on its intranet and used social media channels to get messages out quickly to agents. Chief commercial officer Kelly Cookes reported a “slight drop”


for Greece sales week on week but stressed volumes remained “decent” with clients in the main opting to travel to different parts of Greece “rather than avoiding it altogether”. Independent Travel Experts


managing director Gary Gillespie said the experience of the pandemic had given agents the “knowledge and skillset” to cope more confidently. He added: “We’ve seen bookings


to Greece for this summer continue to be made in the last week, including Rhodes and Corfu, so it doesn’t seem customers have been deterred.” Miles Morgan Travel chairman


Miles Morgan called national media reports “disproportionate”, adding: “Business continues to be good; the wildfires have not changed that. Most of Rhodes was unaffected.” Deben Travel owner Lee Hunt said


while some late bookers were choosing alternative destinations, sales remained strong. “Most seem more worried about the rain in the UK,” he said.


Tui resumed holidays to the north


of Rhodes on July 30 but is offering clients due to travel to the south up to August 11 the option to rebook, amend or cancel with a full refund. EasyJet holidays is contacting


clients due to visit affected resorts up to August 10 to “discuss their options” while processing full refunds for cancelled holidays. Jet2holidays has put most of


Rhodes back on sale but cancelled holidays to Gennadi and Kiotari up to and including August 13, with alternatives or full refunds offered. Olympic Holidays said it was


contacting clients and making amendments on a “case-by-case” basis. A ‘state of emergency’ was lifted


on August 1 as the Greek government revealed plans for fam trips for travel professionals and journalists to Rhodes this month and joint advertising promotions with travel partners spearheaded by the Greek National Tourism Organisation.


3 AUGUST 2023 5


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