At the end of 2018, the VIP segment in Greece and Cyprus demonstrated the most impressive growth. As Roman Sarbash, head of Elion Club, a division of Mouzenidis Group, told TRN, since 2017, the VIP tourism niche has experienced annual growth of approximately 15–171 TP3T in monetary turnover.
According to Mr. Sarbash, the main reasons for such growth rates are the influx of tourists from other destinations, primarily from Turkey, the expansion of the deluxe hotel base, and the growth in the quantity and quality of services provided by hotels.
"While just five years ago, Greece and Cyprus weren't associated with ultra-luxury vacations in the minds of clients, today the situation has changed radically, and tourists who traditionally chose more popular resorts in other countries are now shifting their focus to Greece and Cyprus," comments Roman Sarbash.
The share of investment in the construction and renovation of deluxe hotels in Greece and Cyprus currently reaches 801,000,000 rubles. Thus, the vast majority of hotels built or renovated over the past 5-7 years are rated 5*+. Three to four new players enter the market annually. In Greece, the resorts with the highest concentration of VIP resorts are the Halkidiki peninsula, Crete, Corfu, and Mykonos. In 2019, the number of such offers will increase significantly in the Athens region and on the island of Kos. In Cyprus, active deluxe hotel construction is underway in Limassol.
The growth in the share of VIP hotels is directly proportional to the growing demand for these types of vacations. At the same time, the expectations of clients purchasing deluxe travel products, according to the expert, are constantly growing.
"VIP tourists value quality service above all else, but in recent years, they've been prioritizing destinations offering 'exclusive' experiences. Whether it's cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs, cosmetics and spa treatments developed specifically for a specific hotel, or world-renowned fitness trainers. Success in the market no longer depends solely on good food and accommodations. Themed vacations are rapidly developing, and hotels are working closely with global brands, adopting their expertise and applying new service standards," said Mr. Sarbash.
Source: trn-news.ru
