Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourism Agents (HATTA) President Lyssandros Tsilidis said that the booking rate of Greeks holidaying abroad and at domestic destinations is similar to the time before the start of the economic crisis that hit cash-strapped Greece. Specifically, European books made by Greeks from Christmas to Epiphany Day (January 6) have increased by 20% to the same time of the previous year. Mr. Tsilidis says that this is the biggest outgoing tourism flow in the last five years.

Most of the bookings were for package holidays that included flights and accommodation. The most popular destinations were London, Paris, Istanbul, Rome, Vienna, Berlin and Prague. The average price of trips reached 350 euros that included air tickets, accomodation and guided tours.

There was also considerable interest in road trips to Bulgaria, Austria, etc.

Demand for longer flights to the United States, Canada, Latin America, Southeast Asia and Dubai remained stable, as these trips attracted high-income travelers. These long-haul trips range in price from 800 euros to 8,000 euros per person or even higher.

Mr. Tsilidis also referred to the impressive 40% increase in bookings for domestic holidays. The most popular destinations within Greece included Zagorohoria, Pelion, Karpenisi, Arachova, Naflplion, Delfi, Kaimakchalan etc.

The Civil Aviation Authority said that there was a 21.4% increase for domestic flight arrivals at the country’s airports from January – November 2014. November alone had a 37.9% increase in domestic arrivals.