THE QUALITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF A WINTER SEASON IS A POSITIVE ONE-WAY ROAD FOR CRETE’S ECONOMY

By Dimitris Kollaros

This year, for all, is a difficult year. After 2009, a year of recession for European economy, 2010 is the year that marks the economy of Greece in a worse way. The budgetary crisis, the repeatedly Draconian economic measures, the negative projection of the country abroad, as well as certain misfortunes like the volcano explosion in Iceland in April, resulted in the second consecutive negative year for tourism. It is calculated that in the years 2009 - 2010 the tourism income has decreased more than 25 percent. The crisis in Crete is deep, and just how deep will be revealed even more at the end of the tourist period.

Across the way in neighbouring Turkey and Egypt, tourism is burgeoning. Greece has been the big loser in the tourist battle of the Eastern Mediterranean in the past few years. Why?

The answer could more than fill this entire newspaper…succinctly, however, we will say that the above mentioned countries upgraded their tourist product and mainly supported their winter season. Thusly, they achieved having flights almost year-round. These things did not happen overnight or without planning. For years on end these countries invested in the infrastructures that are required in order for a winter season to exist. During that time, Crete limited its tourist period which henceforth each year begins later and later in the year. Cyprus lately is making a valiant effort so it can anticipate the developments in the tourist market. Just recently the agreement with Ryanair was announced for the Cypriot State to subsidize flights during the winter season so that 60,000 passengers can fly.

The oxymoron is that from all these countries, Greece and Crete generally has the better climate, as well as the most natural beauty, to enable it to have tourism 12 months a year.

This objective is henceforth a one way road. Crete must absolutely promote a winter season as soon as possible and must do it dynamically and with precise planning.

With regard to golf, we should underline that all the above mentioned countries, during the past few years, invested in golfing infrastructures. Turkey has 15 courses, Egypt 17, Tunisia 12. Even Cyprus, which began as a winter destination with just Pafos, three courses and so many big water problems, today inaugurates one golf course after another aiming to reach 14.

If Crete had three golf courses, it would have a winter tourist season. The secret is correct designing and planning, as well as coordinating with State, local communities and businessmen. Solutions can be found as long as there is a will.  Cyprus is showing us the way: new golf courses with special specifications and a system for desalinating the water. As well as subsidizing the first several flights so that it gets established as a destination in the tourist market.

We consider this to be the challenge for the government so that our country can have a future.