Spring has Sprung
Preparations for the season appear to have started earlier this year. Walking along the paralia this morning I saw the last vestiges of winter being removed i.e. the boards placed over the shops and tavernas during the closed season. Everything is being refreshed, painted and prepared for the influx (?) of tourists. Who knows what the season will be like with the general economic downturn worldwide and the strengthening Euro. I suppose it is just a matter of wait and see.
On a travel forum I contribute to I’ve been surprised by the seemingly small amount of queries regarding Skopelos, especially taking into account the global success of Mamma Mia. It seems more people are interested in visiting Santorini and Mykonos. Maybe it’s because I live her, that I consider Skopelos to be a truly beautiful and magical island (though I don’t think it’s me just being biased). Undoubtedly more tourism would detract from the essential feel of the island, which is less commercialised and tourist driven than other places but on the other hand less tourism would have an adverse effect on businesses, people and ultimately the economy of the island. What’s the best solution then? Probably less tourists who spend more money! Have to say that last year it was only in August when I really noticed the influx of visitors and as it was so hot I didn’t feel like venturing out much anyway although it looks like both our sisters will be visiting with their families in August again as they’re tied to school holidays. Junior’s looking forward to it already and also to a party she’s told me she’s going to hold on the first day of summer for all her friends! She’s a sociable little thing – God knows where she gets it from!
It will be a real shame if Skopelos doesn’t benefit from Mamma Mia. There was some really good editorial about the island in the UK press last year as a result of the filming and in the ordinary scheme of things I’d have expected a surge of bookings from the UK. Unfortunately the the recession, the lack of the feel-good factor and the Euro / GBP exchange rate in combination do not bode well. Savers too have been hit by interest rates which do not even compensate for inflation. Having said all this, we will still be visiting Skopelos again this year.
One good bit of news for us this year is that the UK travel industry seems to have woken up to the fact that flying 70% of UK visitors into Skiathos on Fridays is not a good idea. For an airport that can only accomodate two large aircraft on the ground at any one time, it must be quite a relief. For passengers too it will mean much less congestion on the ferries and within the airport.
We have booked a Monday flight from Gatwick which is the only UK flight that day. I just hope it doesn’t get cancelled!
Incidentally, your second photo on Independence Day shows the councillor responsible for tourism on the left of the saluting officers. We stay in the studios owned by he and his wife. He is an ambulance driver and his wife is a teacher at the kindergarten in town.
We’ve been following your blog for some time now and it is great that we have you to keep us in touch with what is going on. Thank you for your effort – it is appreciated.
Regards
Norman and Deborah.
Glad you’re enjoying the blog and hope you enjoy your holiday when you get out here.