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| Greek Theatre, Taormina |
As the world watches events in Egypt and anxiously awaits an outcome, the "effetto Egitto" or "Egyptian effect" is beginning to make itself felt in the travel industry as travellers look for alternative destinations. Turkey, in particular, looks set to benefit from the situation in this way.
Mario Bevacqua, a native of Catania and the first Italian president of the world body UFTAA, the United Federation of Travel Agents' Associations, saw the opportunity at a meeting this weekend and immediately called hotel owners in Taormina, the only town in Sicily with enough hotels to accommodate the 150,000 travellers now wishing to change their Egyptian holiday plans.
And did the hotel owners jump at this unparalleled opportunity? They did not. The enterprising Mr Bevacqua says he received evasive responses, such as "We are closed for the season" or "We are closed for renovation work" from all the hotels he called. Now, whilst it is feasible that some of the town's hotels might have the builders in, it is quite inconceiveable that this is the case with all of them so what on earth is going on?
Whatever the answer, it is too late now and Italy's loss is Spain's gain as 150,000 tourists who could have brought Sicily some much needed revenue and prestige are now heading for the Canary Islands. Wake up, Sicily!
10 comments:
Che peccato!
Wow! The tourists have NO idea how gorgeous Taormina is! I'd love to return there for an even longer visit.
I know where I would rather go .. SICILY .. :-) .. What is wrong with the hotel owners??? One of the best opportunities they can be given.
Interesting! What were they thinking>
Hi, nice blog! I am curious about Sicily, would like to visit one day.
It is really strange that hotel owners would not jump at this unexpected opportunity to make more money!
Greetings from Holland!
You know how people are here...everything is done in the "appropriate" season. They weren't psychologically ready is what!
well, maybe they don't really need the extra tourist, especially in the off-season. Some people may dismiss the attitude as "typical souther Italian", but the idea that revenue and prestige is more important than free time is in itself an unnatural thought. 150,000 people may not be going to Sicly, but oh well...their loss :)
Davvero, Patricia. Hi, Leslie. Yes, it's a stunningly beautiful place. Hi, Anne and Rosaria. No idea what's the matter with them! Hi, Aledys and welcome. Oh, you must visit Sicily! I think you are right, Saretta. Hi, John. I take your point but the island does need the revenue and the temporary employment that such an influx would have brought. It's a dilemma, this: some of the most charming of Itaslian characteristics sometimes hold the country back.
Maybe the Mafia were all on holiday there
Never thought of that, WW!
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