The biggest hotel deal since the pandemic proves Greece is an all-year-round destination

There is no doubt, Greece has had a fabulous summer from tourism. In August, we welcomed one million tourists per week to our country and we’re still on track to have a record-breaking year, topping our previous record of 33.1 million visitors set in 2019.

Greece was one of only two EU countries, alongside Luxembourg, to record an increase in commercial flights in August 2022 compared with the same month from 2019 – a 5% rise which included Santorini hosting 30% more flights too, according to Eurostat. We also anticipate receiving 5,000 port calls from cruise ships by the end of this year, marking a 25% increase compared to 2019.

But whilst Greece is unrivalled for its brilliant beaches and stunning sunsets, the country is far more than a summer holiday destination. Greece is open and can cater for all tastes, whatever month, all-year-round!

Don’t believe me? Well, investors and businesses are clearly confident about the future of the Greek tourism sector and its prospects for growth. You may have seen the recent announcement that the Greek luxury resort operator, Sani/Ikos Group, has had a stake bought by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC. Not only does it now value the company at an impressive €2.3bn, but it was reported in the global press that the investment was the biggest deal in the European hotel sector since the COVID-19 pandemic.

With all-inclusive resorts in Corfu, Kos and Halkidiki, Sani/Ikos Group will become one of the fastest-growing resort operators in the Mediterranean and is set to embark upon a €900m five-year expansion plan, adding more redeveloped resorts to its portfolio in Greece and across Europe.?

The sheer size and scale of this deal, which is expected to be completed towards the end of this year, highlights the good health of the tourism sector in Greece and its ability to rapidly bounce back from the pandemic.

Further to this, I was pleased to read that Radisson Hotel Group have also recently announced a record year of growth in Greece with the addition of two hotels in Athens and two resorts in Mykonos and Skiathos. The Group now has a portfolio of seven hotels and resorts in operation and under development across Greece.

The prospects are incredibly bright. Tourist flows are expected to continue for the remainder of this year with tour operators continuing travel packages for Autumn and into December.

For those who long for crowd-free culture, milder temperatures and cooler nights (whilst still being warmer than most of northern Europe), make Greece your next travel destination. Whether you’re visiting for a city break, island hopping, archaeological sites, or to play golf, hike or cycle, or even just sit on a beach without having to cover yourself in sunscreen, Greece is a country for all seasons. ?????

So… what are you waiting for, why not book your flights this weekend?