January 2002

Honoring the past and high expectations for the future

The event of the month, without a doubt, was the 75 years celebration of HATTA, which hosted the 84th ECTTA conference.
As HATTA is the oldest travel and tourism association in Europe, representing 1300 travel agents and 17,000 employees, it was honored with the presence of representatives from WTO, UFTAA, ECTAA and HOTREC from the international scene. From a local level, the top brass from the Ministry of Development were there along with politicians from all parties, the Mayor of Athens, the past president of the GNTO, Mr. J. Stefanides, many country's ambassadors, presidents and representatives of other travel and tourism associations, as well as hundreds of members and distinguished guests.
It was the past that was honored and the future paved with great expectations.
The past may seem as a joy ride compared to the present and the unknown future, although each period of time has its own difficulties and challenges.
The truth of the matter is that this period of time is a turning point for travel and tourism worldide.
Yes, 10% of the travel agents in Germany will fold within the next 6 months, based on ECTAA data, but that should not worry us because new and more equipped travel agencies will spring up. Thus the role of associations such as HATTA are obliged to set the new rules, regulations and guide lines of the future. At present HATTA is examining for implementation the Passenger Protection Plan, the Passenger Sales Agency Agreement, the Passenger Service Commitments and many more.
But if HATTA, and the travel and tourism industry in Greece, want to continue the glorious trend of the past, they have to re-evaluate and adjust all the factors of production, to the demanding needs of the future.
Thus the responsibility of HATTA is enormous, and we at Hellenic Travelling wish them that God gives them the will, the strength, the wisdom and the determination to come through.
On the same note Hellenic Travelling celebrates its first 10 years. It seems just like yesterday that we were publishing our first issue.
The editorial of that very first issue stated. "We came out in order to give a new dimension of information, quality and diversification in a comprehensive, rational and time-saving way to the travel and tourist trade in Greece and abroadZand we hope, for a very long time to come.......... our plans for the future include a lot of things."
We are very glade that we can look back to what we said 10 years ago and say that we have definitely lived up to our expectations and we hope yours too.
Hellenic Travelling has become a major reference guide, recognized for its accomplisment in Greece and abroad. Travelling News, our monthly travel newspaper is read and respected by the entire industry and finally Travelling Internet reaches millions of Internet users worldwide, in their homes, working environment, etc.
At this point we can only say that we renew what we said 10 years for the next 10 years and

Hellenic Travelling

75 YEAR CELEBRATION OF HATTA

Representatives of Greek. European and International tourist industry honor the 75 Years of HATTA.
HATTA celebrated 75 Years in Greek Tourism. The Assistant Minister of Development Mr. D. Georgakopoulos and the General Secretary Mr D. Georgarakis were there. Also present were Mr A. Liaskos, a member of Parliament of new Democracy party, the Mayor of Athens Mr Avramopoulos, Mr I. Stefanidis, past president of the GNTO., ambassadors of many countries, presidents and representatives of tourist associations.
Mr. Evagelou accepted wishes of Mr Axel Rheborg, president of ECTTA, Mr Niels Nyaard, president of HOTREC, Mr A. Ferreiro chief and executive officer at W.T.O and Mr Birger Backaman, general Secretary of UFTAA. Also representatives of 21 national Unions of tourist and travel agencies sent their wishes to Mr Evagelou. The latter pointed out that he has been aware of the progress of Greek Tourism since its beginning. He also said that HATTA has offered many services to Greek Tourism and that the people in the tourist sector must care not only about the financial benefits from the Greek Tourism, but also about its contribution to the creation of a more educated and peaceful world. Also Mr I. Stefanidis and Chris Koulouvatos, owner of one of the oldest Tourist offices in Greece, were awarded for their services to Greek Tourism.
HATTA was founded in 1926 and has offered many services to the Greek Tourism. Its contribution to the tourist progress of the country is significant. HATTA is not only a syndicalist coalition, which guards the interests of its members, but also an organization which aims at the development and promotion of National Tourism, takes parts in national and international Tourism exhibitions and makes its point of views known to the government. It also organizes seminars, signs employment contracts with associations, offers legal protection to its members, co-operates with public and travel organizations, arranges educational seminars and meetings all over Greece.

ECTAA - HATTA VOICE OPINIONS

In a common press conference given by ECTAA and HATTA, the presidents Mr. Axel Rheborg and Mr. John Evangelou referred to the negative consequences of the 11th September terrorist attack, on the European Tourism. In Greece there were cancellations from transatlantic countries and bookings have stopped, the number of tickets, both incoming and outgoing, have dropped. Many conferences, trips and cruises were canceled. Prices of the tickets were also re-negotiated.
-The speakers also refereed to the following points:
the creation of a fund for clients-passengers in case of an airline bankruptcy.
the European Union directives about the obligatory payment of due invoices, for transactions between E.U professionals.
the agreement renewal of co-operation between travel agencies and IATA.
the change in the way of applying and paying VAT for transactions between E.U professionals.

ECTAA SPECIAL COUNTRY REPORT

According to the survey conducted by ECTAA the consequences on the tourist sector as well as the tendencies formed after the terrorist attack of September 11, were the following:
In most countries, the cancellations after September 11 were significant:
Denmark: The average cancellations reached 25% in recreation trips, business trips and incoming tourism.
Finland: Many tour operators permitted their clients to change destinations, without any additional cost. Most Tour Operators acted strictly according to the legislation concerning packaged tours. Business trips were particularly affected.
Germany: The cancellations had been increasing from 30% to 50% depending on destination but now they seem to stabilize.
Hungary: As far as incoming tourism is concerned, 15% of American visitors canceled their trip, while there were few cancellations for outgoing tourism.
Ireland: Very few cancellations took place and all contracts for trips were honored.
Italy: Cancellations reached 41% of the value of bookings for incoming tourism and 46% for packaged tours.
Netherlands: 15-20% of packaged tours by airplane were canceled.

Norway: the cancellations have come up to 90% for the USA, 75% for cruises in the Caribbean and 30% for other destinations.
Portugal: By 31st of October, there had been cancellations of 50% in outgoing tourism and 12% in the incoming tourism.
Romania: Cancellations reached 30% of the total bookings.
Spain: Cancellations reached approximately 30 % during September.
Switzerland: Cancellations approached, approximately a monthly turn-over. Austria: Cancellations reached 30%.
United Kingdom: The tour operators permitted cancellations for the affected areas for a week, at least. Many passengers did not show at all. Many businessmen decided not to travel.
Turkey: Approx. 100.000 cancellations took place.
Greece: There were cancellations from transatlantic countries. There were no last minute bookings for incoming packaged tours.
The tendency concerning the bookings after the 11th September 2001.
Kroatia: The turn-over in plane tickets decreased to 20% in November and December, to 50% for tourist packages of long destinations, whereas skiing holidays and cruises were relatively stable (0+5%).
Cyprus: Decrease.
Denmark: The trips, that had redeamed during the 2 last weeks of November, were particularly affected by the SAS accident in Italy.
Finland: 6-7 weeks after the terrorist attack, the demand for packaged tours has been smoothed. Bookings for the 2002 are only slightly reduced in relation to the corresponding ones last year.
Germany: The bookings for vacation trips and business trips decreased during the first week of 11th September, but they increased again during the last weeks.
Hungary: There is an increasing demand for Hungary from West Europe.
Ireland: Drop to 50% in the scheduled movement in transatlantic routes and 20% in European routes.
Italy: There was a drop in the packaged tours. The decrease approximately reached 55% of the value for plane tickets and recreation trips and 42% for business travel.
Netherlands: The bookings for vacation concerning the summer season of 2002 decreased to 0% (from a +3% before September 11) in relation to the corresponding ones of the previous year.
Norway: A decrease of 10%. In September over 20%.
Portugal: Decrease of 25% in business trips and 40% in recreation trips.
Romania: There had been a slight increase of 5% until the end of September.
Spain: Decrease of 20-30% in comparison to the previous year.
Switzerland: Decrease of 50-60% in comparison to the previous year.
Austria: A sharp reduction after the terrorist attack, was followed by a slow smoothing and now it is recovered again.
United Kingdom: A gradual increase from the end of October.
Turkey: A 5% decrease in future bookings is expected after the 11th September.
Greece: There are no new bookings from transatlantic countries.
The tendency in the bookings for the summer.
Kroatia: A drop of 10% to the plane tickets and 15% to packaged tours with plane, sightseeing tours are also expected to fluctuate to the same levels, while an increase of 5% is expected in skiing holidays.
Cyprus: No change.
Denmark: Satisfactory despite the relative decrease.
Finland: One month after September 11, bookings for winter are decreased by 30% in relation to the previous year.
Germany: Stabilized in the same levels of the previous year.
Hungary: There is a demand for skiing holidays.
Ireland: The bookings for winter destinations with sun and for ski remained good.
Netherlands: The bookings for winter in total decreased by 8% in relation to the same period last year. Tourist flight packages decreased by 21%, trips with buses decreased by 17% and vacation by car increased by 1%. The trips concerning winter sports mainly in Europe, presented an increase of 8%.
Norway: Decrease from 5 to 10%
Romania: An increase of 5% in the bookings for winter.
Spain: A decrease of 25% is expected.
Switzerland: A decrease of 50-60% in comparison to the previous year.
Austria: Decrease of 15-20%.
United Kingdom: The bookings for ski remained in high levels although they are made closer to the departure date.
The tourist activity of the winter 2001/2 is expected to decrease to 10-15% in comparison to the previous year.
The sales of continental Spain and Canarian Islands are also good.
Turkey: A decrease of 5% in the bookings is expected.
Greece: Deposit payments have stopped. Pre-bookings for 2002 have slowed down to a large extent. Pressure has begun to be exercised on the re-negotiating of prices.
The demand for long destinations has decreased whereas in most countries domestic tourism and short visits to European cities have increased dramatically. Also business travel, cruises and recreation trips have been badly affected whereas trips by bus and by train go well. Further more, those who have been badly affected are the tour operators specialized in specific destinations, travel agencies which sell packages with airplane and those specialized in plane tickets and business trips.
Evaluation of travel agency and tour operator losses in turn-over 2 months after the September 11
Cyprus: Zero losses.
Croatia: The oncoming tourism has increased by 13% and the outgoing by 20%.
France: The turn-over of the tourist agents has decreased by 11,2% plane tickets by 11,6% and travel packages by 15% in comparison to last September.
Germany: losses of 25-30%.
Hungary: losses of 10%.
Italy: losses of about 13 million euros per day.
Ireland: losses of 25%.
Holland: losses of 45-20%.
Norway: losses of 10%.
Romania: losses of 10-15%.
Spain: losses of 30%.
Switzerland: losses of about 10%.
Austria: losses of 5-12%.
United Kingdom: losses which fluctuate between 10-40%.
Turkey: 1000 tourist agents.
Greece: Sales decrease of incoming and outgoing air tickets by 25-30%.
Problems resulting from terrorist attack:
Commission to extra charges of airlines for security.
Financial problems of airlines, lack of passenger protection
Liquidity problems.
Temporarily dismissals of the staff.
Sudden extra charges on the prices which cannot be transferred to the clients because of the legislation concerning flight packets.
Problems of cash liquidity and bankruptcies.
IATA asks for more harsh bank guaranties from agents who deal with business travel and tour operators.
Greece: cancellation of many confereces, incentives and cruises.
Government assistance for travel agents and tour operators who face problems.
In most countries the government does not provide any help to travel agents and tour operators. On the other hand, the French government has supported the tourist industry and will supply help by postponing the payment of duties and taxes. It has also announced an increase in the vouchers for next season's holidays. In Spain the government has created a committee consisting of the most important professionals of the tourist sector. In Cyprus, the budget for promotion has increased. In Holland, there is a project called ya short-term project of compensation. According to this program, the employees are compensated by 20-50%. Fr the period during which they did not work in Austria, the working hours have been reduced by the employers. In Great Britain, the government acts as a provider of security, by examine the airplanes every month. In Turkey there is a provision of subsidy to the 50% of the fuel used in chartered flights.

PROFITS INCREASED LAST 9 MONTHS FOR STRINTZIS LINES

Strinzis lines announced that net profits increased by 26,4% to 656 million drachmas during the 9 months of 2001. Also the consolidated turn-over of the organization increased by 13% to 30,2 billion drachmas, because of the successful deployment of the newly-built ships Blue Star 1, Blue Star 2 and Blue Star Ithaki. During that period Strinzis Lines fleet transferred 2.227.220 passengers, 325.566 cars and 107.575 lorries.
Two more ships, Blue Star Paros and Blue Star Naxos are also being built in the shipyards of Korea.

GREECE FIRST CHOICE OF CHINESE TOURISTS TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

Greece will be the first choice of mass tourism from China to the European Union countries, according to the results of the meeting of Mr Dimitris Georgakopoulos (Assistant Minister of Development) with a delegation of State and financial officials of China, which met in Greece. The Chinese delegation showed its interest in the air connection of Peking - Athens which will secure the transportation of tourists to Greece, while at the same time they underlined that they will arrange matters that have to do with the issuing of visas. According to the finding of WTO, ten out of twelve million Chinese tourists who earn a high income, travel every year abroad, while it is predicted that in 2020 this number will increase up to 100-120 million tourists. The Chinese also pointed out that their country offers a good environment for investments and that they are interested in investmenting in tourism and other economic sectors. They also suggested that the under foundation tourism office in China should be situated in Peking. Among the Chinese delegates who met with Mr Georgakopoulos were the Governor of the province yangling Mr Li Dafang , the vice President of local Parliament Mr yan Xiao Mei, the President of the Argarian Bank of China Mr Liu Zhong and the President of the technical institute Mr Wang Huayong.

AEGEAN - CRONUS AIRLINES APPROVE AN INCREASE OF CAPITAL BY 8 BILLION

Aegean Aviation S.A and Cronus S.A approved the merger which will be completed by the end of December 2001. At the same time, the shareholders of the company Agean Cronus Airlines decided to assist the company by an extra increase of 8 billion drachmas in capital. Increasing the total contributed capitals to 38 billion drachmas and in this way providing strong foundation. The share-holders of the company are Basilakis Group, Laskaridis Group, Minoan Lines, the businessmen, Messrs G. David, Dakis Ioannou, Vas. Konstantakopoulos, Piraeus Venture Capital. It is also worth mentioning in the last two years, new air-crafts worth of more than 60 billion were acquired from which more than 38 billion were from share-holder funds. This way it gives the company the possibility of a more effective investment in Know-how, that will permit the creation of new pioneering services and will reduce the operation cost per seat. It should be pointed out that the company after the merger:
-employs more than 1200 fully trained employees
-has 40% of the market of domestic flights in Greece, covering 11 destinations in Greece and 7 destinations in other European countries.
-transfers 2,5 million passengers annually while during the last three years, it has transferred more than 6 million passengers.

-During the last 3 years the turnover reached 150 billion drachmas. The turn-over after the merger will exceeded 60 billion drachmas, presenting an increase of 8% and fiscal year losses came up to approximately 15% of its turn-over.
-owns 17 air-crafts for regular charter and V.I.P flights, 6 Boeings 737-300/400 with 136,148 and 156seats, 6 Avro RJ100 with 100 setas, 3 ATR 72 with 70 seats and 2 Learjets 55 with 7 seats.
-is regarded by the airport Eleftherios Venizelos as the most credible company as far as the times of departure are concerned has won many prizes for its technical and financial standards. Its load capacity and punctuality of its flights, the development of its network, the structure of its fleet. Aegean Airlines was also declared as the third best peripheral European company for the year 2000/1.

COOPERATION BETWEEN FORTHNET AND SABRE HELLAS

FORTHcrs, a FORTHNET subsidiary, has formed a commercial co-operation with SABRE HELLAS, a subsidiary of SABRE Inc. The commercial co-operation of the two companies was officially presented on 10th December 2001 at a conference which took place in Athens. The objective of that co-operation concerned the creation of prerequisites for the formation of integrated solutions which include electronic booking and issuing of tickets for airline, shipping and other transportation companies or tourism enterprises.
Also through this co-operation, tourism businesses are given the chance to have access to the interface of booking systems of FORTHcrs and SABRE.
Moreover, FORTHNET Group will be able to support and provide some other relative services too, such as integrated telecommunication to the companies that are operating on the SABRE HELLAS Systems.
SABRE INC. is a leader in the universal market in the field of online airline reservation systems (Global Distribution system).

1.000.000 MORE OVERNIGHTS PER YEAR FOR GREEK TOURISM

Totally 110.000 thousand people will participate in the tourist season elongation program conducted by the GNTO. The program started in the autumn of 2001 and is going to last 3 years. During this period, the arrivals of foreign tourists are being subsidized with 40 euros after each arrival for the time periods between October 15 and April 30. Specifically, according to the data of the Services GNTO 55.000 more arrivals are scheduled for the autumn of 2001, 20.000 arrivals for winter 2001-2002 and 350.00 arrivals for the spring of 2002. The total of the arrivals mentioned above, leads to approximately 1.000.000 more overnights per year for Greek Tourism.

HELLAS FLYING DOLPHINS FORCED TO ABANDON MARINA ZEA

Since 1975 Marina Zea has been offering anchoring services to Hellas Flying Dolphins. The managing company of Marina Zea Greek Tourist Real Estate, imposed a sudden increase of 25% in anchoring fees to Hellas Flying Dolphins. The increase was totally unprecedented and excessive, as it imposed a charge of three times larger than the corresponding length of yachts anchored in Marina Zea. Hellas Flying Dolphins tried to express its position to the Greek Tourist Real Estate for a fair and viable solution for the continuation of the anchoring of its boats. After many unsuccessful attempts, Hellas Flying Dolphins was forced, because of its inability to deal with the increased fees of anchoring, to abandon Marina Zea on the 1st of December 2001 and gather its boats in the port of Piraeus.

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF KOS TRAVEL AGENTS

The Association of Kos Island Travel Agencies conducted its elections in Kos according to which the new Board of Director was formed, consists of the following persons: Mr S. Voukouvalidis (President), I. Hatzisavas (Vice President), M. Kourouni (Secretary), G. Vouliakis-K. Kouyoumjioglou (Tresurer), G. Valinakis-D. Kouzinos-S.Tirinopoulos (Members).

LAST PRESIDENTAL STAY AT GRANDE BRETAGNE

The hotel Grande Bretagne offered its hospitality to the President of Romania Mr. Ion Iliescou in a magnificent suite, just a few days before its renovation. The President was welcomed by Mrs Lena Kasfiki Libanidou, manager of the hotel. The specific hotel suite hotel has offered its services to personalities such as the Kennendis, Maria Kalas, Margo Fontein, Elizabeth Taylor, Indiva Ganti e.t.c, and recently to the Royal couples of Holland, Sweden, Luxembourg and Spain, to the President of Italy Skalfaro, to Jaques Delor, V. Pqapathanasiou, Zak Sirak, Houan Antonio Samarag, yasser Arafat, Ziskour Desten. The hotel Grande Bretagne closed down for renovation on the 30th of November 2001 and is going to re-open again at the beginning of 2003.

TRIAENA TOURS & CONGRESS OPENS NEW BRANCH IN THESSALONIKI

After 25 Years experience the congress organizer Triaena Tours & Congress S.A. expands its activities in northern Greece. The inauguration of the new office took place at a central hotel in Thessaloniki and present at this activity were local officials, specialists of the congress industry and distinguished guests
Triaena Tours & Congress S.A. is one of the largest tourist organizations in Greece specialized in conference Tourism. The conferences department employs a large number of trained staff. Triaena Tours & Congress S.A. has successfully organized numerous conferences both in Attica and all over Greece.

THAI AIRWAYS EXPANDS COOPERATION WITH STAR ALLIANCE

THAI expands its co-operation with Airlines-members of STAR ALLIANCE for flights with a common code number.
THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL, PCL, announce that it intends to expand its co-operation with airlines-members of Star Alliance because it wants to expand its network to more cities of Asia, Europe, Australia and Northern America.
Recently, THAI and AIR CANADA agreed to code sharing for the connection of European centers-where THAI flies to with big cities of Northern America. Code sharing flights will bring many profits to THAI and its passengers will have access to key destinations of Europe and Northern America.
At present, THAI conducts code sharing domestic and international flights with the following members of Star Alliance:
THAI and LUFTHANSA have been conducting code sharing flights, between Bangkok and Munich, since 1995.
THAI also shares the same code number with LUFTHANSA in certain flights towards German cities as well as towards key destinations of Europe and U.S.A.
At the same time, LUFTHANSA uses the same code number as THAI in flights towards key destinations of Thailand and towards more important destinations in Asia and Australia. Since October 2001, the two airlines have intended to reinforce their co-operation on a common basis, where they will divide the costs between them, as well as the profits from flights between Bangkok-Frankfurt and Bangkok-Munich.

The expanded co-operation between THAI and SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES began in 1996, in the flights between Bangkok, Stockholm, and Copenhagen and from there towards various destinations of Northern Europe.
THAI conducts daily flights between Bangkok and Los Angeles. The passengers of THAI can continue their trip towards many destinations of the U.S.A. by United Airlines, which offers excellent contact flights. Moreover, the two airlines conduct flights with a common code number between Bangkok, Taipei and San Francisco.
Since December 2001 THAI has been conducting 18 flights per week with a common code number with ALL NIP0N, between Bangkok and Tokyo.
Since May 2001 the two airlines have been conducting code sharing flights between Bangkok and Vienna, with an aircraft of LAUDA AIR.

BLUE CUP 2001

The 11th sailing-race of Open Ocean BLUE CUP was successful organized by VERNICOS YACHTS from the 3rd until the 11th of November 2001, were the participating sailing boats are exclusively BENETEAU, type Oceanis and First.
The participants of this YearOs BLUE CUP, were 45 boats with crews from 12 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Italy, Great Britain, Norway, Poland and Sweden. The race consisted of 4 racing sailings and three days free sailing.
Because of the bad weather conditions, the first part of the race Old Epidavros-Poros was not conducted, while the second part Poros-Ermioni was conducted on Tuesday 6th of November under pleasant weather conditions.
In the first category, the winner in Ermioni was the boat Femme FIRST 40.7 with Mr Skordilis as its captain, while second finished the boat Anemoessa FIRST 42J7 with the crew of Mr. Ondrej from Austria.
In the Oceanis category the winner was the boat Patmos OCEANIS 361 with the captain Mr Nordli from Norway, while second finished the boat Kea BENTEAU 50 with the Norwegian captain Mr Hansen.
The second part of the race started on Wednesday 7th of November with the destination of Hydra. The Austrian crew of Mr Ondrej with FIRST 42J7 finished first.
In the Oceanis category the winner was the Greek crew of Mr Iliopoulos with the boat Anna Maria BENETEAU 50 while the Norwegians with the captain Mr Hansen of the boat Kea finished second.
On Thursday 8th of November, the fourth and last part of the race started in Ydra and finished at Porto-Helli.
In the Oceanis category, the winner was the boat Dimitra OCEANIS 461 with the Norwegian crew and the captain Mr Skretting. Also, second finished the boat Kea BENETEAU 50 with the captain Mr Hansen, while they held the first position in the general rating of Oceanis.
Second in the general rating of Oceanis finished the Norwegians with the captain Mr Nordli and Patmos OCEANIS 361 and third finished the French with Heronisos OCEANIS 381 with captain Mr Lorain.
In the category of First, the winners were the Austrian with the captain Mr Ondrej who also finished first in the general rating of first.
Second finished the Greeks with the crew of Mr Skordilis and the boat Femme Fatale FIRST 40.7, while third finished the British with the captain Mr Hutchinson and FIRST 45F5.
In the final awarding ceremony at the AKS HOTEL in Porto Helli, the participants of the last five BLUE CUPS were given prizes and souvenirs.

BRITISH WORLD AIRLINES GOES INTO RECEIVERSHIP

BRITISH World Airlines has gone into receivership after a three week search by the carrier's management failed to find a backer.
The Southend Airport-based airline, which specialised in providing back-up planes for other carriers, said poor trading conditions in the aviation sector - exacerbated by September 11 - accelerated the failure.
Kent-based Tangney Tours owner John Tangney paid tribute to BWA. It is a sad day for us that our long-standing relationship with BWA has come to an end. It is an even sadder day for all those good people who worked so hard for an excellent airline.
A spokesman for BWA, founded as Silver City Airways in 1946, added: The board of British World Airlines would like to pay particular tribute to the staff who have been extremely supportive of the company during very difficult and testing times.
This is a personal tragedy for all involved, particularly in the build-up to what should be the festive season.

AWARD FOR FRAMISSIMA KING SARON

The Hotel Framissima King Saron A' class, situated in Isthmia of Korinthia, was awarded a prize by the Tourist organization Fram of France, for its high standards of services during 2001. That distinction was the result of the questioner that the clients of the hotel answer about the food, the services, the animation, the staff and the facilities of the hotel. The prize was received by the Manager of the hotel, Mr. George Woutos in DJERBA of Tunisia, last November. This is the second time that the hotel has been awarded a prize. The first one was in 1994.

MARINA OF PILOS GRANTED TO VERNICOS & KOSTATERA

Marina of Pilos Granted to VERNICOS and KOSTATERA
The tourist port of Pilos of Messinia was granted in an international overbidding competition on 23/6/2000.
Vernicos Yachts and holdings-Kostatera was the overbidding joint venture
The company will have the rights of the exploitation of the port for the next 50 Years.
The port works have been completed, and what is left now are the land facilities which cost 1,5 billion drachmas. The marina has a capacity of 220 boats. It is also worth mentioning that Kostatera belongs to Vasilis Konstandakopoulos Group, who develops in the Messinia Prefecture one of the biggest tourist programs in Europe.

STARWOOD AND THISTLE LOG ON TO ANDBOOK.COM

HOTEL reservation website Andbook.com, the joint venture between Accor, Le Meridien and Hilton, has been joined by a further seven hotel chains.
The venture's new partners include Starwood, Thistle, Omni, Jurys Doyle Hotels, Radisson SAS and Raffles. The deal increases Andbook's portfolio by another 1,074 properties so it now has a total portfolio of 55,000 establishments offering 1.2 million rooms.

GREECE HANDED OVER THE OLYMPIC FLAME TO 2002 WINTER GAMES

Greece handed over the Olympic Flame to Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Games organizers in the marble Athens stadium where the ancient games were revived in 1896.
As I stand here today I see shadows of cheering spectators and striving athletes from more than a century ago, said 2002 chief organizer Mitt Romney. We thank the people of Greece for entrusting us with this Olympic Flame. It will light our way.
Romney received a flaming torch from Greek Olympic Committee president Lambis Nikolaou during a solemn ceremony attended by native Americans in traditional costumes.
The Salt Lake City team then lit storm lanterns for the trip to the United States, where the flame will be carried on foot, by plane, rail, ship, dog sled, horse drawn sleigh and snowmobile to the opening the Winter Games on February 8.
The flame, lit in the ruins of Ancient Olympia in southern Greece, where the Olympics were born 2,700 Years ago, toured several Greek towns and villages before entering the central Athens marble Panathenian Stadium, built for the 1896 Games.
On Tuesday it will fly to Atlanta, host city of the centennial Games in 1996, and then tour Washington D.C., Pennsylvania and New York in memory of the September 11 attacks.
(It will pay) tribute to fallen citizens of the world and the man who redefined heroism for me and my countrymen, Romney said.
The icicle-like torch will travel for 65 days over more than 13,500 miles through 46 states, including Alaska for the first time, carried by 11,500 torchbearers.
Made of glass, silver and copper, the torch symbolizes fire and ice, 2002 organizers said.
To me it represents the light of the human spirit, a fire which propels achievement and excellence, which nurtures friendship and which binds the family of humankind, Romney said.
The Olympic Flame was first used for the 1936 Berlin Games and soon became a staple tradition for both summer and winter games.
Greece, which will host the 2004 Games, has said it wants to make its own torch relay a peace tool, touring conflict zones around the world.

AMADEUS CRUISE TOOL AVAILABLE TO ALL AGENCIES

Amadeus launched Amadeus Cruise Standalone, a Web-based cruise-booking tool for non-Amadeus agencies geared toward cruise-only or cruise-focused agencies as well as agencies that do not use a CRS.
The new product is the second recent Amadeus product to be marketed to agencies that do not use Amadeus for CRS services. In September, Amadeus introduced Consolidator Shopper, an Internet product for users of Amadeus and other CRSs. The product facilitates the online booking of multiple consolidators from one application. Some 40% of Consolidator Shopper users, according to Amadeus, are subscribers of other CRS companies or agencies that have no CRS affiliation.
Amadeus Cruise Standalone, accessible over the Web via an agency-installed CD-ROM, is available through a monthly subscription.
Other CRS companies offer subscribers Web-based booking tools. Amadeus hopes some of those agencies, however, will opt for Amadeus Cruise Standalone because of factors like response time and ease of use.
The standalone cruise tool is the latest version of Amadeus Cruise, which was launched for Amadeus agencies in 2000. The firm said Amadeus Cruise is used in 5,600 agency locations.
Like Amadeus Cruise, the standalone offering for non-Amadeus agents enables them to view multicruise line sailing availabilities and schedules, access to deck plans and cabin photos, commission information and fare comparisons.

AVIS EUROPE REPORTS 5% DROP IN REVENUES

Car rental giant Avis Europe has seen its revenues dip by 5% since September 11.
A trading statement issued by the company also revealed corporate business to be down 10% compared to last Year.
Revenues for the full Year are expected to be down because of the US terrorist attacks, although a reduction in staff numbers and fleet size is predicted to help the company meet its financial forecasts.

DELTA AIRLINES CUTS FARES FOR TRAVEL IN US

Delta Air Lines on Tuesday cut fares for travel within the United States, as it and other carriers struggle to cope with a drop in travel following the Sept. 11 attacks.
The fares, which do not require advance purchase, are for travel off-peak hours, the Atlanta-based company said.
The tickets, which must be purchased on delta.com, ranged from $78 for a Atlanta-Charleston, South Carolina and $218 for a Boston-Los Angeles flight.
Delta and other major carriers, which were already struggling financially during the first part of the Year, are weathering once of the industry's worst crisis in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks and a steep drop in travel.

EXPEDIA DELAYS SHAREHOLDER VOTE ON USA DEAL

The USA Networks-Expedia merger deal has been -- at the very least -- delayed.
Expedia shareholders were scheduled to vote on the transaction Dec. 17, with the merger closing a few days later. But the online agency announced that the shareholders won't even consider the matter until 2002.
That's because Vivendi Universal is buying USA's entertainment assets for $10.3 billion.
Expedia intends to deliver updated documentation to Expedia shareholders, as and when appropriate, in anticipation of a Special Meeting to consider the USA/Expedia merger transaction early in 2002, Expedia said.
USA Networks -- and the name will change to USA Interactive with the Vivendi transaction -- sought to take a controlling stake in Expedia in a bid to become a major player in travel with the launch of a cable travel channel.

HONG KONG TO HOST ASTA's 2004 WORLD TRAVEL CONGRESS

Richard M. Copland, CTC, ASTA president and CEO, signed a contract finalizing plans to host ASTA's 74th World Travel Congress here in 2004.
Copland said We are thrilled to be holding ASTA's 2004 World Travel Congress in Hong Kong. From Buddhist temples to towering skyscrapers, from luxury shopping to lush nature trails, Hong Kong has something for everyone. With so much to offer, Hong Kong is an ideal gathering place for travel professionals.
In 1965, Hong Kong was the site of ASTA's 35th World Travel Congress, the Society's first conference in the Pacific Rim.
Almost 40 Years after ASTA's first conference here, we look forward to gathering again in one of the world's great cities, said Copland. ASTA's World Travel Congress gives the host city an opportunity to showcase all that it has to offer for the very people who send travelers there-travel agents.
This partnership between ASTA and Hong Kong is a natural one, Copland continued. It brings together one of the most exciting and popular destinations in the world and the world's premier association for travel professionals.

M/TS OLYMPIA VOYAGER SAILING TO FORT LAUDERDALE

Royal Olympic Cruises' newest ship, the Olympia Voyager, began her positioning voyage to Fort Lauderdale last Wednesday, December 12th 2001. She will be arriving at Fort Lauderdale on the December 21st 2002, to begin her Christmas and New Year cruising the next day, the December 22nd 2001.
A heartfelt farewell took place in Piraeus, as seamen and company officials alike, gathered at the port to wish "Good Sailings!" to the Olympia Voyager, which will not return to its home waters until 2003.
The ship, awarded the 2001 Cruise and Ferry Award for " The most significant New Built Cruise Vessel", is the fastest vessel in its class attaining a cruise speed of 28 knots!
Based in North America for the next 2 years, this highly elegant vessel of an 836 passenger capacity, will combine the benefits of it's speed and friendly size to offer revolutionary itineraries, with a greater number of destinations, and exciting ports of call!
For brochure or additional information, contact Royal Olympic Cruises' Head Office in Piraeus-Athens Tel 010.4291.000 or e-mail sales@roc.gr

From My Notebook - By Connie Soloyanis

Tourism prospects for Greece in 2002 are not as gloomy as one might think- an estimated overall increase of four percent is projected. New tourist traffic is anticipated from Kenya and China.
Oddly enough tourism to New York City is booming with hotels operating at near full capacity, theatres are packed (the hit show "The Producers" is selling for an incredible $500 a ticket), and everyone seemingly is on a shopping spree. As has been reported it is now patriotic to go shopping in the U.S.A., especially in New York City.
Special charter flights were operated during late November and early December from London to New York for shopping.
During 2001 New York City will have had some 37 million visitors and some $25 billion in economic activity.
Much credit is given to the promotion efforts of unbiquitous outgoing Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Included in his "recovery" efforts were e-mail messages to travel publications and agencies in Greece.
U.S. President George Bush has appeared in his first ever advertising, urging Americans to travel and see America.
Travel by car has been gaining in popularity in the States, and despite vastly increased traffic the prise of petrol has dropped dramatically.
Overall U.S tourists are the top spenders, with some $65 billion recorded in 2000.
Flying within the U.S.A. is down some 30 percent. But train and bus traffic are booming, with expanded schedules for both modes of travel.
Parallel to this air travel offers many bargains within the States. And, some 80 percent of all airline tickets are still being sold by travel agents.
Delta Air Lines has launched a promotion providing 10,000 free tickets to New York to be used in media giveaways.
Concidentally, Delta Air Transport, a subidiary of Sabena, has started to operate flights from Brussels to some 30 destinations within Europe, inclunding Athens.
The local travel trade labels the Athens Hilton, the Grande Bretagne and the Hotel Electra of Athens the "lucky ones" during this period of negative tourism in Greece because all three had been scheduled to close down at the end of 2001 for extensive renovations and the adding rooms for the Olympic Games of 2004 being held in the Greek capital.
Four new helipads have been constructed on the Greek Islands - Ithaca, Patmos, Tinos and Lesvos. prime purpose is to facilitate convenience for tourists who fall ill or have an accident to be transported to hospitals on the mainland.
Loss in tourist revenue in the United Kingdom for the three month period September through November has been estimated at 1.5 billion pounds sterling.
Some hotels in the U.K. are desperate for clients, such as the four-star Craigellachie Hotel in Scotland, which is offering free accomondation for any customer who buys two meals at the hotel (which cost some 40 pounds sterling per person).
Despite the downward slide of air traffic in and out of the U.K., plans for the fifth terminal at London's Heathrow Airport are progressing.
Many restaurants, night clubs and souvenir shops in London, Athens, Budapest and elsewhere have discovered how much their business depends on tourists.
Incidentally when one thinks of wine, it is France, Hungary, California and Greece that come to mind. A new vintage is on the market-that of South Dakota. Many New York wine shops prominently feature Greek vintages.
Incidentaly, beer drunken onstage during performances of the hit musical "Mammamia!" the setting of which is on a Greek island, is Keo from Cyprus.
The latest attraction in the dreamland of Las Vegas is to be a monorail that will run from one end to the famed "strip" of hotel resorts to the other end, running three miles.
Talk about upscale: The Ritz-Carlton Spa in Naples, Florida, has a special "revitalizing" package of manicure, pedicure, shampoo and hairstyling for a mere $150.
Trends: The last nudist holiday club in California is closing down due to lack of patronage.