Skiathos, a TO Paradise

Today I want to talk about the island on that we have been active in since 2002, Skiathos. Skiathos has incredible potential and it's on the verge of losing an opportunity to balance out the distribution.

What is the situation?

Skiathos is a beautiful island with a very small international runway. Meaning that only specific airplanes and pilots can take off the plane. The quality of accommodation is focused on the 4star market rather than the 5-star other smaller islands with airports.

Jet2 & TUI flights are capable of filling up the whole island accommodation, and the connectivity to Skopelos and Alonissos stops past 5 pm, meaning half of the flights cannot be used for additional beds. Other TOs that fly from other countries are struggling to get beds, resulting to guarantee contracts in order to match seats with beds.

Commercial airlines are still supporting the destination, showing that there is a willingness of guests to search outside the TOS. Condor, Easyjet, Transavia, Volotea & Austrian airlines are the commercial flights that support the other source markets.

What is the problem?

The problem is that we are risking struggling with the non-TO flights out of the island. Airlines have just 1 business, flying and if the flight is not profitable, then they will probably move it somewhere else. Tour Operators have multiple revenue streams, not with great margins but multiple.

The solution.

A balanced allocation of rooms to all markets and sources. it is great to have more flights than we need but you can understand for some operators this is not profitable. we can just focus on the UK Market, but it's a huge risk as you limit yourself to one country that already has instability.

What we need.

To renovate the properties and attract a different price entry point. To create a better connection between Skiathos - and the other Sporades islands. To stop over-allocating.

All the above are notes to me as well.