Eastern Mediterranean
ONGOING political instability in the Middle East has led to a surge in interest in Turkey and Greece, with wholesalers reporting a spike in bookings to both destinations. Eastern Eurotours was among a number of wholesalers who last year tweaked their product offering in response to problems in the Middle East, replacing many tours with itineraries to Israel, Jordan and Turkey. Eastern Eurotours managing director Chip Popescu said forward bookings for Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan were currently down by around 5% on last year, adding that further instability could “hinder” the area from making a comeback in recent years. But he said Turkey and Greece were the “big winners”, with bookings for both countries growing by 48% and 35% respectively. “Following an encouraging earlybird season with strong interest in Mediterranean holidays, the area is set for a good start to 2015,” he told travelbulletin. Escorted tours have led the trend, increasing 15% on previous years, with ongoing growth also extending to school groups and special interest groups such as architecture and history enthusiasts. “[Bookings] have been growing in scope as a result of the more affordable levels charged by suppliers following the economic downturn experienced throughout the Eastern Med in recent years,” Popescu said. Icon Holidays has also reported an “unprecedented number” of forward bookings for Greece in 2015, and Melbourne-based wholesaler Touchdown Tours is predicting a strong year ahead. “We’re expecting a bumper year [and] Greece is hugely popular right now,” Touchdown Tours managing director Jaqui Preketes said. Touchdown Tours’ 16-day Glories of Turkey and Greece tour covers Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus and Pamukkale from $3804 per person twin share. Highlights include tours to Troy, Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove, and a free day to visit one of the villages of Santorini.