Current and Future Trends in Tourism and Hospitality: The Case of Greece

Abstract

This paper identifies some of the current and future trends affecting the tourism and hospitality industry, including globalisation, guests’ safety and security, the importance of offering outstanding services, the new technologies that enhance competitiveness, the population ageing that impacts directly on tourist demand and the correlation between price and value. Reference is also made to the trends in the development of tourism lodgings. Furthermore, the paper attempts to analyse the Greek tourism performance indicators for the last 10 years and suggest ways out of the recession for the tourism entrepreneurs. The suggestions to the hoteliers include careful analysis of the current and future trends and application of the proper adaptations, investing in exceptional services and sustainability of their lodging, as well as utilizing the new technologies and the social networks. Moreover, the hotel owners should consider the retirees as their potential guests and, finally, they must seek ways to retain effective, diverse and competent staff.

Keywords: Employment, Greece, services, tourism and hospitality, trends

JEL Classification: J210, L800, L830