![Tourism – The goal for 2022 is normalization](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TOYRI.jpg)
The goal of the tourism industry is to take an important step towards normalization in 2022, which, however, is expected to come after two and three years. For tourism, everything depends on the course of the coronavirus cases. The decisions of several countries to deal with the pandemic have dealt a severe blow to international tourism.
Just a few months ago, many countries eased restrictive measures to then impose new ones in the middle of the Christmas holidays in response to the outbreak of the Omicron mutation. Many airlines have even canceled a significant number of flights due to crew disease. Everyone is now hoping for next summer.
A survey of the German Tourist Association (DRV) among its members shows that more than 50% of bookings are for the summer months. It is interesting that only 10% of travel agents expect summer turnovers at the levels of 2019. At the same time 5% expect total revenue at levels similar to the pre-pandemic period, in 2022.
“Uncertainty is the enemy”
“We are still a long way from the end of the crisis,” Peter Harbison of the Center for Aviation (CAPA) think tank recently told a news conference. HSBC analysts note that the outbreak of the Omicron mutation, which is known to be spreading faster than the Delta, is wreaking havoc on travel restrictions in Europe and adversely affecting demand.
At the moment all over the world the plans are made for precautionary reasons based on the worst case scenario. But the unpredictability of travel rules potentially prevents tourists from planning trips for fear of being barred from the destination country without the possibility of returning home. “The enemy is uncertainty,” said analyst Andrew Lobenberg.
Despite the negative climate, optimism prevails in low-cost airlines. Eurowings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, as well as the British Easyjet are planninga number of flights similar to the pre-pandemic era, for the summer of 2022 . The German travelers TUI and DER Touristik are also optimistic, expecting a return to normalcy more or less soon and planning accordingly. In the same vein is the Irish airline Ryanair, which expects an increase in the number of passengers above the levels of 2019. The promising low-cost airline Wizz also sees a positive outlook next year. The commercial director of the Hungarian company, George Michalopoulos, of Greek origin, appears optimistic despite the problems caused by the Omicron mutation: “I think that societies will learn to live with the pandemic.”
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/epixeiriseis_2-600x414.jpg)
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight
![ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/unnamed-41.jpg)
ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y
The same price index had decreased 20.8% from May 2022 to May 2023
![Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ergasia-ergazomenos-600x300.jpg)
Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated
Specifically, the option "Subjective opinions are prioritized over objective data" ranked highest in importance for young employees, with a score of 3.89 out of 4