VAT drops by 10pc with immediate effect

Steve C Cronin

Steve C Cronin

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According to the Arkontiko restaurant in Mesolonghi, where we have just enjoyed a "Nostimo" meal.



But only on restaurant meals - sorry!
 
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NornaBiron said:
Haven't seen any difference in the price of restaurant meals here in the Aegean
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Well no. They're pocketing the difference. The place in Messy told us to take 10% off the prices. Several restaurants didn't open at all last night in the town. We will be eating at the "Tsibas" in Poros Keffalinia tonight. It is run by a franco-greek. He will, I'm sure, pass on the reduction. It certainly is real and it's in the newspapers.
 
Frankly I don't blame them pocketing the VAT reduction by keeping their prices up. Here at least, so many tourists are now using "fully inclusive" holidays that many tavernas have been half-empty all season.

I understand why fully inclusive is an attractive option for the hoteliers (they get lots more dosh) and why it's an attractive option for the tour company ('cause they get lots more dosh too). I can even see why timid tourists might like it (because they know where they'll be eating every night and they don't need much spending money). But nobody seems to have realised what fully inclusive is doing to the tourist location itself.

In a few years Agios Nikolaos on Crete (at least) will have been transformed, all the bars and tavernas will have closed through lack of customers and the town will be a boarded-up wasteland. Who will want to come here then?

Can't the greedy tour companies and the equally greedy hotel owners see that fully inclusive is killing the goose that lays the golden egg?
 
Tony Cross said:
Frankly I don't blame them pocketing the VAT reduction by keeping their prices up. Here at least, so many tourists are now using "fully inclusive" holidays that many tavernas have been half-empty all season.

I understand why fully inclusive is an attractive option for the hoteliers (they get lots more dosh) and why it's an attractive option for the tour company ('cause they get lots more dosh too). I can even see why timid tourists might like it (because they know where they'll be eating every night and they don't need much spending money). But nobody seems to have realised what fully inclusive is doing to the tourist location itself.

In a few years Agios Nikolaos on Crete (at least) will have been transformed, all the bars and tavernas will have closed through lack of customers and the town will be a boarded-up wasteland. Who will want to come here then?

Can't the greedy tour companies and the equally greedy hotel owners see that fully inclusive is killing the goose that lays the golden egg?
Click to expand...

I have to agree with you the "all inclusive" is doing a huge amount of damage to local tavernas etc, here in Corfu also.
 
Tony Cross said:
Frankly I don't blame them pocketing the VAT reduction by keeping their prices up. Here at least, so many tourists are now using "fully inclusive" holidays that many tavernas have been half-empty all season.

I understand why fully inclusive is an attractive option for the hoteliers (they get lots more dosh) and why it's an attractive option for the tour company ('cause they get lots more dosh too). I can even see why timid tourists might like it (because they know where they'll be eating every night and they don't need much spending money). But nobody seems to have realised what fully inclusive is doing to the tourist location itself.

In a few years Agios Nikolaos on Crete (at least) will have been transformed, all the bars and tavernas will have closed through lack of customers and the town will be a boarded-up wasteland. Who will want to come here then?

Can't the greedy tour companies and the equally greedy hotel owners see that fully inclusive is killing the goose that lays the golden egg?
Click to expand...

I hope it will still be okay in Agios Nikolaos in two weeks time. I have been telling my wife how great it is and seemed perfect for a week break. But I have now realised it is 20 years since I have been there.
 
The problem with the All inclusive hotels was, to gain planning permission the backers told the local municipalities that they would provide work for the locals. This was obviously part of the corruption that is rife in Greece, once the buildings were up, staff was brought in from tour companies for training purposes (not local) hire cars were sourced from farther afield at cheaper rates and more profit for the company, even the food was outsourced. In other words the local economy lost out on everything, even the local Tavernas made no money from tourists wearing all inclusive wristbands!
A lot of cash being trousered by local planners, councillors and anyone else receiving a brown envelope.
 
Tony Cross said:
In a few years Agios Nikolaos on Crete (at least) will have been transformed, all the bars and tavernas will have closed through lack of customers and the town will be a boarded-up wasteland. Who will want to come here then?

Can't the greedy tour companies and the equally greedy hotel owners see that fully inclusive is killing the goose that lays the golden egg?
Click to expand...

I dislike holiday crowds. If the place became deserted for whatever reason I would go there. And thousands others would too. Erm ... hang on a minute.
 
jordanbasset said:
I hope it will still be okay in Agios Nikolaos in two weeks time. I have been telling my wife how great it is and seemed perfect for a week break. But I have now realised it is 20 years since I have been there.
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It will, and you'll have no trouble getting seated at the taverna of your choice. Best not linger outside a taverna near the lake though, any hesitation on your part will result in the desperate taverna owner hauling you inside. ;)

Look us up in the marina, Little Roundtop berth B4. :)
 
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