CORFU. It seems that Corfu will have a “record” of visitors this Easter, according to tourist agencies. Occupancies in hotels in the city center have “hit” a ceiling and now only by canceling will one be able to find free rooms for those days.
Although last month the picture in the hotels was completely different, however as the Vice President of the Corfu Hoteliers’ Union Spyros Rokas pointed out to “E”, the traffic of the last period has “increased” and now accommodation is found by anyone who can catch up.
In fact, the fact that this year’s Easter falls late but also in the middle of the tourist season, with international flights now operating daily in double digits, it is reasonable that the available beds have become available. Since all the events take place in the old city, those interested are frantically looking for accommodation within the historic center to be as close as possible to the core of the religious events, with the unique customs, litanies, Epitaphs and the first Resurrection with the famous boots that make up a unique experience for visitors.
“Until a month ago, people’s interest was subdued, but that has changed, as it has been on fire lately. Reservations in the city’s hotels are above 97% and in the city’s peripheral areas they are between 80%-85%”, Mr. Rokas emphasized. As far as the cost of a night’s stay is concerned, this varies according to the services provided and the category of the hotel, with the room price starting from 100 euros and reaching up to 600 – 700 euros, while there is also a limit of minimum nights.
According to the President of the Association of Corfu Tourist Agents (AOCTA) Dimitris Diavatis, a good season in general and a dynamic Easter in particular are in sight. Speaking to “E”, he even expressed the opinion that because the hotels will be open, due to Easter, it is very likely that we will exceed last year’s visitor numbers, which were on high flights.
According to the President of the Federation of Tourist Accommodation Entrepreneurs of Corfu, Periklis Katsaros, occupancy rates are also very satisfactory. As he reported to “E”, several of them have already opened, with most of them starting for this season on May Day, i.e. Wednesday. He even estimated that this year’s Easter, Corfu will break the attendance record, as it will be celebrated in a period that is within the tourist season, and which is unfolding positively. “The biggest crowds are always in the city, as all the events take place there. It is very difficult to find a room these days in the city center, but there are options outside. The cost of accommodation in the rooms for rent, depending on the services offered, ranges from 60 – 400 euros”, he pointed out.
At rbnb
Rbnb accommodations have also become popular. As the property manager of the company “Life Villas” (manages 130 accommodations in Corfu) Konstantinos Lavranos told “E”, the demand for these accommodations started shortly after Christmas and occupancy seems to be at 100%. He even clarified that prices are moving downwards, as there is also competition from hotels that have opened or are opening, and therefore the choices of those interested are more numerous. Thus, the price of accommodation on average ranges from 140 – 250 euros per night for two people and with a minimum number of nights (3 or 4 nights).
They “mask” planes and ships
“Sold out” in the meantime are the airline seats for the midday and afternoon – evening flights from Athens to Corfu from the middle of the M. Week. Yesterday on the electronic platforms of the airlines one could find tickets, only for the morning flights, but at salty prices.
And on the ships for some routes tickets are no longer available. However, since the ferry companies have modified their schedule ahead of Easter, passengers will be able to be served with other itineraries, due to the density of the connection between the island and the port of Igoumenitsa for the Easter period. According to shipping agents, there is already a 15% increase in online bookings, with many rushing to book their tickets early to avoid queuing and waiting at the neighboring port.
There is also a great demand from road tourism with organized groups of travel agencies. Many coaches mainly from Northern Greece are expected to arrive in Corfu on Thursday and Friday, returning on Easter Monday.
Reserves have also started
However, restaurants in the city have already started accepting reservations for Good Friday, Good Saturday and Easter Sunday, as the President of the Corfu Catering Association Vassilis Vassilakis reported to “E”. According to him, some restaurants around the city will open by Monday, while several will start after Easter, when the season will be in full swing. However, the Easter table in restaurants will not be economical, due to the significant increases in all costs. “The cost list has gone up a lot, not only in products but also in wages and services. 100 euros is not much for a family of four to eat in a restaurant. The products have become more expensive by 147% and more”, he commented.
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