AITO: Support Greece in its hour of need
AITO calls on the trade to support Greece as the country’s troubles worsen. Chairman Derek Moore has issued the following appeal:
"The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) has nearly 40 specialists selling a wide variety of holidays to Greece. Bookings have slowed considerably, but we’re not just sitting still and keeping our fingers crossed – we’re taking action, and doing a lot of work – both in the public arena and behind the scenes.
We’ve written as AITO – along with ABTA and the FCO – to the Greek Prime Minister, Finance Minister and members of the Troika, urging them to release funds for promotion, which we’ll match pound for pound. This is patently the time, if ever there was one, when serious promotion of all that Greece has to offer the holidaymaker is vital.
We need to counter negative images with positive images. We need high-profile influencers to speak out in support of travelling to Greece – this means not just the Jennifer Anistons and Joanna Lumleys, but everyone who works in the travel industry and thus has influence. Yes, you!
Slowly but surely, friends of Greece in the media are helping with positive comments and editorial. It will take time, and a consistent approach, but AITO and its operators – not to mention their high-street counterparts, AITO Specialist Travel Agents, whose influence with their well-heeled and mid-market clients is considerable – are determined and will keep communicating positive and reassuring messages.
I urge all UK travel agents to do similarly, please – support Greece in its hour of need.
The season starts in the second week of May. The wide range of stunning villas, friendly tavernas, boutique hotels and family apartments is all ready to receive guests. The locals are eager to welcome us all with open arms and to invite us to share their simple, relaxed lifestyle. The waters will be clear and sparking, the skies blue and the sunshine as warm as the welcome – all part of the great-value deal that is Greece."
Diane
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