Galery

1

Our traditional poll this month asked what attracts you the most during your holiday in Greece. As usual, answers are quite interesting and prompt even more interesting conclusions. Just a reminder: the poll provided for more than one answer.

It is our tradition to start with the GRReporter version in Bulgarian and there we have an absolute winner: 32% of our readers consider the crystal clear sea and scenic nature the greatest attraction in Greece. The Mediterranean beauty of the Greek coasts needs volumes to be described. The most curious touch though is the environmental element suggesting that our Bulgarian readers choose Greece for its unspoilt land and sea. The healthy and tasty Mediterranean cuisine is the second most popular aspect to attract Bulgarian tourists to their southern neighbour. Fresh fish and sea food add to the experience and make the holidays unforgettable. This option was selected by 17% of the readers. The lack of beach speculation comes third with 14%. We can only guess that the way beaches are maintained in combination with the high rental prices of chaise-lounges and beach umbrellas in Bulgaria makes the greater part of our readers choose the beaches of Greece. Culture and the historic heritage of Greece come fourth. Hellenic culture is the foundation of modern European civilization and clearly attracts Bulgarian tourists. Hence, we are advising you to have a look at our publication on the cultural and music tourism in Greece. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of the islands attracts 10% of the voters. Obviously, the combination of exotic settings and nightlife is unbeatable for those among our readers who love partying and socializing. The last 3 choices divide readers’ votes as follows: 8% choose hospitality throughout the tourist branch, 5% choose the variety of entertainment, and 3% voted for expensive but good hotels.

The choices of the English language version of the site are quite similar. 38% go to the crystal clear sea and scenic nature. The over-polluted and overcrowded modern life makes us appreciate unspoilt nooks and their purity. 25% go to the culture and historic heritage which, as we have already noted, attracts numerous tourists who wnt to learn about the history of the country they visit. Again, Mediterranean cuisine attracts fine food connoisseurs: for 17% of our readers this is what takes them to Greece. Unlike Bulgarian tourists, English speaking readers also appreciate the opportunities for fun, sports and the variety of destinations offered in Greece. This option attracted 8% of the readers. There are 4% for each of the beach speculation, cosmopolitan atmosphere of the islands and local hospitality options. No one opted for the accommodation quality option.

Our Greek audience followed quite closely the preferences of the others. 23% go to both rich culture and historic heritage and the crystal clear sea combined with the scenic nature. 18% go to each of the healthy Mediterranean cuisine and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Greek Mediterranean islands options. The wide range of fun, sports and interesting destinations option attracted 14% of the voters. The lack of beach speculation got barely 5% and local hospitality and accommodation quality got none.

It should be noted that the unspoilt and well preserved nature is the factor tourists hold in the highest esteem and this is the major reason for Greece to be a preferred holiday destination. The urbanization of the Black Sea costal line, combined with the pollution and speculation are the factors driving Bulgarian tourists away to find a better holiday alternative in Greece. Among the other important factors highly valued by tourists are the local cuisine and culture and historic heritage. The poll clearly shows that accommodation quality and local hospitality are not among the major elements attracting our audience to Greece. We do have things to learn in this field yet!

Finally, let us invite you to participate in our new monthly poll and choose an answer to the question: What are the conditions under which we will be ready to accept immigrants from Asia and Africa?