K. Vassiliou – Eurobank: The messages for Greek tourism in 2022 are very positive

The assessment that 2022 will be a very positive year for tourism, was expressed by the Deputy CEO of Eurobank Konstantinos Vassilios, in a press conference on the bank’s long-term contribution to the development and support of the industry. As Costas Vassiliou characteristically pointed out, these estimates also result from the direct communication of Eurobank with a large number of units in the tourism sector.

Demand for 2022 is the highest the industry has seen in 20 years. There are hotel companies that have already covered with reservations 40% – 50% of the total demand of 2022, and if the same demand continues, the forecast is that by the end of February 70% of the total supply of rooms and beds may have been covered. in the country, something very rare. “The very important thing is not that there is just a strong demand for people to come, but it seems that the reservations are made at very good prices”, said Mr. Vassiliou, among others. high than those that were in recent years, including 2019, so the messages are very positive, said Mr. Vassilios.

Last week, Eurobank announced that it is launching a new package of interventions totaling 750 million euros, focused on the Greek hotel industry and the surrounding ecosystem, in order to make the most of the opportunities of the new growth cycle in the Greek economy. The new initiatives, combined with the previous € 750 million support package announced at the start of the pandemic crisis in May 2020, bring the total value of EUROBANK’s interventions in the four years 2020 – 2024 to € 1.5 billion, with aimed at supporting the tourism industry, which is crucial for growth and employment in the country.

Regarding the new financing of 750 million euros, as Mr. Vassiliou clarified, the 500 million are intended for investments in the construction of new hotels and for renovations / extensions of rooms in the categories of 5 * and 4 *. In particular, the 275 million euros for the construction of new units, the expansion of existing units and the 225 million euros for the upgrade of existing units, mainly renovations. The remaining € 250 million relates to acquisitions and strategic financing. This funding will increase capacity by 2,000 rooms, and will upgrade an additional 4,700 rooms mainly in the 5 and 4 star categories. As Mr. Vassilios said, in addition to the 5 and 4 stars, the bank finances all over Greece small businesses, three-star hotels as well as tourist accommodation. The above investments, by 30% will concern the Dodecanese, by 20% Attica, 10% Crete, 9% Halkidiki, 8% the Cyclades, 7% in the Ionian and the rest other regions of Greece.

Mr. Vassileiou, referring to the challenges of the tourism sector, pointed out, among other things, that more tourist, hotel infrastructure is needed, focusing on strengthening the basic infrastructure at the local government level (garbage and waste management, water supply system, road networks) that can be created and by utilizing resources that already exist.

Source: AMPE