Important insights for travelers and tour operators for Crete 2025: The first charter flights will land in early April and a slight increase in advance bookings.
The seismic activity in the Cyclades does not appear to be affecting Crete at present
For the Cyclades islands, however, the flow of bookings has been frozen. Santorini, which lies in the ‘eye of the storm’, is directly affected. In general, however, the major foreign tour operators are taking a wait-and-see approach. TUI also issued a corresponding announcement. Ideally, the phenomenon will subside and everything will run smoothly – so far, no real damage has been caused. However, if the seismic sequence were to intensify again, this would inevitably trigger a domino effect of cancellations.
In any case, the Cretan businessmen declared their determination to provide practical help to their colleagues in the Cyclades, just as they did last year to their colleagues in Rhodes in the face of the devastating fires that struck the “emerald” island.
The Shared Celebration of Easter
Greece, particularly Crete, continues to hold a strong position in the preferences of holidaymakers from Europe and America.
The anticipation surrounding the Easter celebrations, which will coincide this year for both Orthodox and Catholic Christians on April 20, adds to the allure.
The first charter flights are scheduled to land in early April, just before the holiday, indicating a robust start to the tourism season.
As the peak visitor influx approaches in the weeks leading to Easter, an initial spike in arrivals is expected.
This surge will likely be followed by a typical decline until mid-May, when tourism activities generally ramp up significantly.
Travel professionals are hopeful for a smooth transition into the high season, despite challenges such as staffing shortages and the implementation of a digital work card.
Crete is the most beautiful island, which is why it remains very popular
Many stakeholders within the industry assert that Greece’s natural beauty and cultural richness make it an enduring favourite among travellers.
The president of the Rethymno Association, Manolis Tsakalakis, emphasises a proactive approach to promoting Greece in major European cities and even across the Atlantic.
This outreach aims to enhance the country’s visibility and attract more visitors, reaffirming Greece’s position as a top holiday destination.
He believes that the situation in connection with the earthquakes will have calmed down again by May and expects a happy and untroubled end to the crisis. He does not want to believe that the worst-case scenarios with tsunamis and volcanic eruptions will occur. A major quake could definitely de-escalate and end the seismic series, but perhaps the phenomenon will gradually subside on its own.
Holidays: The Antidote to Financial Constraints
Despite economic difficulties, Europeans continue to prioritise their holidays in Greece.
The Greek phrase “poverty requires enjoyment” rings true, as individuals seek brief escapes to recharge, regardless of financial constraints.
The tourism industry is responding positively to this trend, as early booking trends indicate a slight uptick compared to previous seasons.
The local tourism industry has absorbed 20% of the actual price increase
Industry representatives highlight that, although there were challenges in the previous tourism cycles, efforts have been made to mitigate the impact of financial setbacks caused by global events.
Recent statements suggest that the sector managed to absorb around 20% of the financial losses experienced. This resilience is vital in maintaining confidence among potential visitors and ensuring continued revenues in the coming season.
The Digital Work Card and the Staffing Shortage
The introduction of the digital work card system presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the tourism industry.
While intended to improve efficiency and transparency in the workforce, it has also highlighted existing staffing shortages.
Many businesses struggle to find adequate personnel to meet the anticipated influx of tourists. This is a concern they are looking to address promptly as the travel season approaches.
This landscape illustrates the determination of the tourism sector to bounce back and embrace the new season with optimism.
The Digital Employment Card
The Digital Employment Card is a critical instrument designed to ensure that employees are compensated for their actual working hours. This system promotes transparency and accountability in the workplace and aids in combating the issues of underreported and unregistered labour.
By enforcing this measure, both workers’ rights are safeguarded and legitimate businesses are protected from unfair competition.
The Digital Employment Card is set to be implemented in various sectors, particularly in tourism and hospitality starting on 1 March 2025. Before this full rollout, a pilot programme began in September 2024, allowing businesses to adapt to these new requirements.
This significant change aims to create a fairer work environment by recording actual hours worked, including overtime.
It is essential to note that employers operating in these sectors face substantial penalties for non-compliance. Any infraction may result in fines up to €10,500.
This approach is intended to encourage adherence to regulations while ensuring fair treatment of employees across all industries.
Where It Applies
Currently, the Digital Employment Card measure is active for approximately 750,000 workers in various fields. These fields include banking, large supermarkets, insurance companies, and security firms. This initiative encompasses around 73,000 businesses that have already been integrated into the system.
With the forthcoming inclusion of the hospitality and tourism sectors, it is estimated that the number of workers covered by the Digital Employment Card will rise to approximately 1.5 million.
The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure the complete protection of workers’ rights. By monitoring the actual working hours, employees are paid correctly. This system effectively addresses issues surrounding unpaid overtime and illegal alterations to work schedules.
The introduction of this card also means that employers must now document working hours accurately. This includes break times and shift patterns, fostering a more structured and equitable workplace environment.
Reasons for the staff shortage
The tourism sector in Crete faces a significant shortfall of approximately 5,000 job positions, particularly within hotels on the island. This shortage encompasses nearly all roles that are vital to the hospitality industry.
According to George Pelekanakis, the President of the Greek Hoteliers Association, this assessment is based on analysed data and observations of the current landscape in local hotels.
As he evaluates the employment conditions for the upcoming tourist season and the future health of the tourism sector, it appears that the outlook remains challenging for these establishments.
Key Job Roles in Demand
Several critical roles are notable for their shortages in the Cretan hospitality market:
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Chefs: The demand for skilled culinary professionals is rising, especially as the number of job openings in both restaurants and hotels increases.
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Waitstaff: There is also a notable deficiency of waiters, with many positions remaining unfilled.
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Baristas: The expansion of cafes and bars has led to a higher requirement for trained baristas to meet the growing interest in coffee culture.
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Housekeepers: The number of vacant roles for housekeepers is substantial, driven by the continuous growth in the tourism industry.
Employee Preferences
A shift in worker preferences has impacted the hospitality sector dynamics.
Many workers, particularly housekeepers, are choosing to work in Airbnb properties rather than traditional hotels. This trend can be attributed to various factors:
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Earnings Potential: By working across multiple Airbnb properties, housekeepers can manage 6 to 10 locations simultaneously, allowing them to generate greater overall income from diverse sources.
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Independence in Work: Many employees express a desire for more flexible working conditions and less supervision. This independence is more prevalent in Airbnb arrangements compared to working in conventional hotels.
In addition, the rise of delivery services has created new job options for waitstaff, offering them increased autonomy and flexible working hours.
Changes in Employment Dynamics
The growth of Airbnb accommodations has contributed to a more competitive job market in the hospitality sector.
The flexibility afforded by these roles appeals to both new entrants and seasoned professionals. Workers enjoy the chance to have more control over their schedules, which can lead to improved job satisfaction.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of the hospitality industry in Crete illustrates the pressing need for diverse job roles.
As the demand for skilled professionals continues to outpace availability, employers are urged to consider the changing dynamics of the workforce.
Balancing employee autonomy with structured roles may lead to enhanced job satisfaction and greater retention in the future.
