It's been a tumultuous couple of weeks for Greece. ~ The sun-soaked Aegean nation, normally thought of as the ideal destination for a romantic vacation, has quickly become an international symbol of debt and desperation.
The fact is, Greece is having difficulties servicing its sovereign debt, and though most of us don't understand exactly what that means, everyone seems to be talking about it. ~ A few nights ago, Jay Leno even compared it to...gulp... California. ...as in:
Greece is a relatively small country. It would be like a state over here. But it over-spends, it over-borrows, it promises expensive pension plans, it over-taxes, it over-regulates business. ... So, over here it would be the state of California.The "Greece worries" reached a crescendo last week with angry protests in the streets of Athens. An EU/IMF bailout followed, and the world has been a-buzz over the descending Euro, ever since.
Meanwhile, Troon Golf's Navarino Dunes, an impressive seaside course designed by Hall of Fame golf champion Bernhard Langer, is set to open in two weeks as the first stage in the development of Costa Navarino and will launch Greece as an international golf destination. The Romanos, a Starwoods Luxury Collection Hotel will open at the same time and offer the finest accommodations and the most sumptuous spa.In light of recent news reports, a Greek golf vacation may at first glance seem implausible to many in the Americas, but on the contrary, the one great upside to the weaker Euro is that European vacations are going to be substantially less expensive this summer. At least 15% - 20% cheaper. ~ WorldGolf's Brandon Tucker wrote about this in regards to Ireland earlier this month... and it certainly applies to Greece.
Meanwhile, tourism... which in Greece accounts for 15% of GDP and employs over 10% of the population... has been identified as one of the key areas for early recovery.
This has prompted an initiative among Greek hotel owners and tour operators to improve their services and offer more value to customers. In addition, Greece is one of the safest destinations in the world and its tourism infrastructure and amenities are have been world class since the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. And they're saying that foreign demand could prove key to hauling the country out of its debt crisis.
Navarino Dunes is located in Messinia in the Southwest Peloponnese on the incredibly clear, amazingly blue Ionian Sea. It's an area untouched until now by mass tourism. In addition to a spectacular costal setting, the area is home to palaces from the Mycenaean era, classical temples, Byzantine churches and medieval castles.The developers of of Costa Navarino, TEMES, SA, are working in conjunction with a number of environmental organizations to create a true eco-tourism destination, and a catalyst for protection of the pristine environment.
It is inevitable that prospective travelers to Greece worry when they see images of protesters and read articles about disturbances in Athens. However it's important to note that the disruptions are localized in just small section of the center of the city.
I'll be going to Costa Navarino sometime this summer and I look forward to documenting everything. In the meantime, I urge everyone to consider a trip to this spectacular part of the world.
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I definitely have Greece on the "Bucket List." If anyone has a private jet they are willing to lend me, I'm ready to go immediately and escape the gray rain of Ohio.
ReplyDeleteBernhard Langer is quite a purist design-wise. I like the way he uses the natural settings in the golf course he creates. I looks like he has a lot to work with there in Greece.
ReplyDeleteMy sister is travelling by cruise ship (leaving today) through Venice, Rome and the Greek Isles.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the economy may be suffering there a bit, it will rebound just as it will do here in the USA.
Tourism will help and, as long as the view remains as beautiful as that picture which you show, Greece should have no long-term worries!
That looks gorgeous. I've been putting off Europe for a couple of years because the exchange rate was so bad! Even last summer. This might be there year for me. ;))
ReplyDeleteIs the course going to be open all year. I know it gets chilly in Athens during the winter but that's way south. Any idea?
ReplyDeleteLisa - Friends played on Crete last year and had a great time they were there in October and said it was cool, and one day was windy but basically great for golf. I think Crete is in the same area. Maybe? :)
ReplyDeleteWith major austerity measures in many European Countries I'd think Greece would be welcoming American and Canadian tourists with open arms. It's a beautiful country, with so much unique about it. It would be a shame if some felt afraid to go.
ReplyDeleteUp till now Greece lacked any significant golf infrastructure. This is a move in the right direction. The timing could be a lot better and I'm guessing it won't move along as quickly as they anticipated - the four courses completed by 2015. Golf in the Olympics might help to keep the sport in the spotlight. I hope so, the place looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreece is being the land of the Green...Such a nice place for the Golf promotion...you have made a great source for the golf learner...keep sharing.
ReplyDeletethat seems like an awesome destination, that golf course looks dreamy to me. but im going to be in athens in a couple of weeks time for a business convention my company is holding. even though i wont have this beautiful natural landscape in front of me i know athens is going to be marvelous. we have into contact with the athens convention bureau and they have assisted us in numerous ways. they helped us get in contact with local vendors, accomodation. transportation, entertainment! without them we would not be sure that this convention is going to be a success! www.athensconventionbureau.gr
ReplyDeleteThe economy is suffering but playing
ReplyDeletegolf in Greece is fantastic. The new
Costa Navarino golf course is just beautiful.