Particularly increased passenger traffic is observed during its three days Holy Spirit, according to what is recorded on AEGEAN flights. Unlike the previous 3 days or holidays of the year where foreign destinations “had their due”, these 3 days Greek destinations, and mainly the Greek islands, are the protagonists, while the preference of travelers is won by the destinations “foreign” either in Greece or abroad.
The destinations of the Holy Spirit
- The spotlight is “stolen” by destinations that guarantee a less “rough” vacation and are often passed over in favor of more popular or “must-see” destinations, but which promise quieter, more authentic and perhaps more affordable getaways , far from big crowds and celebrities.
- The trend recorded for destinations like Skiathos, Ikaria, Chios, Lemnos, Mytilene and Cythera is interesting, without this of course meaning that the Cyclades are not yet a preferred destination for Greeks, especially the youngest. A trend which, in addition to the development of the regions themselves, also contributes to efforts to expand the Greek tourism product to more destinations in the country.
- Of course, destinations like Heraklion, Chania and Rhodes still remain at a high level, but tend to show last minute bookings.
- In destinations abroad from the Athens base, there is a growing trend to travel to alternative European destinations or destinations favoring short car journeys in the surrounding areas, such as Marseille, Mallorca, Bordeaux, but also Istanbul, while Thessaloniki seems to choose more popular destinations, such as Rome, Berlin, Barcelona, etc.
- Traffic to domestic destinations from Athens and Thessaloniki is mainly observed on Thursday 20/06 and Friday 21/06, with an average occupancy rate reaching almost 90% and 95% respectively. The evolution of return traffic mainly begins on Holy Spirit Day (06/24), but peaks the next day (06/25) in both bases (Athens and Thessaloniki), with equally high occupancy levels.