Author Topic: Exchange rate lowest of the low  (Read 23901 times)

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Offline Mick and Jill

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #15 on: October 03, 2009, 02:42:18 PM »
The euro is having a knock on afect in Arillas.  Not many visitors, Grill Bar closed mid week, Cshelles has closed and had half price sale
Jill XXX




Offline Eileen

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #16 on: October 03, 2009, 04:27:32 PM »
The euro is having a knock on afect in Arillas.  Not many visitors, Grill Bar closed mid week, Cshelles has closed and had half price sale

I've also heard that there are a few businesses closed, to what extent I don't know, but it is a concern considering this is only the 2nd of October with another four weeks to go until the end of season.  I understand how difficult it must be for any business to stay open when it's so quiet, especially so for anyone in the restaurant trade.   It's a bit of a no win situation because unfortunately closed up premises do not give a good impression to first time visitors to Arillas.   It's one thing to book a destination on the understanding that it has limited local facilities, but quite another to book a village portrayed as having a lot of local facilities only to find many of them closed.

With any luck next year will see an improvement in visitor numbers to help support the shops and restaurants of our Arillas friends.

Eileen.xx

Offline sunfun

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #17 on: October 03, 2009, 05:15:22 PM »
That is a shame that some people are struggling,but it's a sign of the times,i suppose.We are so looking forward to trying out the restaurants as they all sound lovely.There might not be so many to choose from,but i'm sure there will be ample.We'd never get round them all in a week anyway!
So looking forward to a good gyros!

Offline Ang

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #18 on: October 03, 2009, 07:06:33 PM »
Business is business closing down early just because the visitors numbers reduce from now till end of season is not the right approach to ensure continued business for the following season.
Closed or reduced service does not encourage people to return, its a cost that must be factored in to the business plan for the season, the way its going the season will end up being may to september 5 mths,I'm afraid luck is not something business should depend upon, Arillas is indeed a very special place for most of us, but,the whole world is after that leisure £1 or euro
If direct flights are available until the end of October then so should all facilities be available they should maximise on this opportunity.

As an example i enquired about popping over mid October,accommodation was available but the restaurant was going to be closed...if the season ends late October then it needs to be business as usual or explore those opportunities out there to attract new business to ensure the season ends when it should end or better still extend the season
Ang

Offline justphil

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #19 on: October 03, 2009, 07:25:26 PM »
It has indeed been a tough year for Arillas folk. But all the ones I know will fight back, and offer even better service (if that's possible.) Agree with you Ang, it is too short-sighted to just close earlier. Sandy posted to me that The Rainbow stays open until the last plane has left. Thalassa was the same when we were there on the last day of the season. Spiros made our lunch himself that day. Many others are the same.

But the impression that Arillas is all closing down is wrong. It seems to have survived what must have been its worst year ever, relatively unscathed. We need to talk it up, not down. Even on 30th October, it is still a wonderful place to be. With any luck Jen and me will be there on this 30th October.

Phil


 

 



Offline Ang

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #20 on: October 04, 2009, 12:44:03 PM »
Phil you said
"But the impression that Arillas is all closing down is wrong. It seems to have survived what must have been its worst year ever, relatively unscathed"

Why has this year been its worst ever? it cant just be attributed to the exchange rate.
Ang

Offline Eileen

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #21 on: October 04, 2009, 01:07:21 PM »
All credit to places like the Rainbow, Thalassa, Brouklis, Yiota's and the other's who provide their services until the very end.  I shall certainly be enjoying their hospitality and supporting their steadfastness when I go over in a couple of weeks.

Some of us are lucky enough to enjoy a visit to Arillas in the higher season when everything is open and also to return again later on when it is quiet.  Not everyone can afford to visit in high season, but late visitors expectations are based on tour op' literature is for a resort which is fully open May-Oct. 

How can we be sure that Arillas has escaped 'relatively unscathed'?  IMHO it's too early to say that.  How many businesses will be unable to open next year? How many will be opening later/closing earlier? How many are reducing their staff numbers? How many will be unable to upgrade their premises?

There has been a gradual decline in visitor numbers to Corfu for a number of years now, the blame for which cannot be entirely left at the door of the current poor exchange rate.

I fully agree that we need to 'talk up' Arillas, but to do that we need to know and understand why people aren't visiting in the first place or at least why they are not visiting in early/late season.

Eileen.

Offline Paul D

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #22 on: October 04, 2009, 02:04:06 PM »
I wonder how many people were put off by the `credit crunch` and didn`t book foreign holidays, fearing they couldn`t afford it or would not be in a job long enough to pay for it?   Many people must have been in this position?

Even with the exchange rate not doing us any favours, it wasn`t going to stop Heather and I revisiting our favourite place. The way I look at it, is that I either spend less while I`m there, or I take more money with us. The cost of getting to Arillas wasn`t prohibitive.
As for people closing before the season ends, I think that their costs should have allowed for the real quiet times- you can`t have the good times throughout the whole season.

We all know what Arillas offers, and it is this that draws us back year after year, but it might not be enough for others to make them want to return as often as we do. Some may only visit once and decide there`s not enough to make them want to return.

I think that Arillas has a hardcore of visitor numbers which does not increase greatly each year and with increased costs year on year, it may not be possible for some to continue trading. More Arillas Adicts need to be found in greater numbers for our village to prosper and continue. This needs to happen but with increased commercialism comes greater responsibility to ensure  Arillas keeps hold of it`s roots and values which draw us all there. Not an easy task.

For some, the credit crunch has been used as an excuse for scathing cutbacks- the euro is just another casualty.

May Arillas ` live long and prosper`. ( Who said that???)

 Paul D

Arillas - `perfect antidote to life`s stresses and strains`!

Offline Beachlover

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #23 on: October 04, 2009, 05:37:04 PM »
Hi all
it's been a while, though when I can have kept an eye on "What is all Arillas"

As for the credit crunch, the lack of spending both here and in our favourite place, I am certainly going to take as much as I can.  Not only to support the people who provide us with such a great time but to have as much fun and enjoyment as I can.

Having only one week left till we go we have gathered all the resources we have to enjoy the sunshine beach and the food of such an excellant place. 

October is the time when people are winding down, had some great times there even if places had closed, for us it doesn't really matter, the feeling is still great, the scenery super, it is a well chill out experience!

Just cannot wait

8 sleeps and couting

yammas   

Offline mathsboffin

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #24 on: October 05, 2009, 12:21:59 AM »
We are visiting Corfu in April - will anywhere be open for food in Arillas, if we paid a visit, at this time of year.  We are visiting 5-16 courtesy of EasyJet.
Sharon

Offline Sandy x

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #25 on: October 05, 2009, 12:31:44 AM »
Armourada will be open....and Night Owl is open every night but only does food on Friday and Saturday at that time of year. Mon Amour will be open too.
Sandy x

Offline Eileen

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #26 on: October 05, 2009, 01:58:59 AM »
Heracles for light snacks.  Maybe Gravia bar, I'll confirm this in a few weeks.

Eileen.

Offline justphil

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #27 on: October 05, 2009, 02:01:39 AM »
Would love to sample April....

Phil



Offline blondegirl

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #28 on: October 05, 2009, 04:22:26 PM »
I dont think the problem is just with Arillas, it is happening all over europe.  In Crete it is the same, my friends daughter inlaws a run a large restaurant and its their worst year, what with a bad olive crop too they are in for a hard winter.  Food is expensive in the supermarkets, drinks are more expensive.. 6 euros for a G & T - £3 for a pack of butter!  Even Total Greek yoghurt is cheaper in the UK..

I have friends who go to Greece now and do all inclusive as its actually cheaper now to do it that way.  People will cut back on a lot of things if it doesnt improve... holidays may well be a luxury soon wherever it may be.

It must be soul destroying to redecorate and spend as much money as you can on getting ready for the season only for it to be a "short one" because its not as financially viable as previous years.

I cant believe the season is coming to an end already anyway... where has the year gone?
If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

Offline justphil

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Re: Exchange rate lowest of the low
« Reply #29 on: October 05, 2009, 06:16:10 PM »
Agreed BG, where has it gone? I see more wrinkles when I look in the mirror but it is  winter next, did I have a summer? Well of course I did. I got to Arillas, married off my son, got bitten by a mut.... It all seems so short a time though. Must be my age.

But like you say,
Quote
they are in for a hard winter.
Many of us are. There is always hope though. For those of us who don't get huge bonuses for wrecking the world's economies, or expenses to pay for another house, moat or pig feed, there is something more precious. I can go to sleep at night dreaming about laying on the beach in a place I adore, swimming in the shallow sea, socialising with many many like minded people. Now that is pricelss, whatever the exchange rate.

Phil
 




 

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