Arillas Forum

Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Topic started by: dimitris on January 29, 2013, 12:32:10 AM

Title: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: dimitris on January 29, 2013, 12:32:10 AM
The results of our research on the tourism of Arillas were made public on Sunday 20 January. A lot of people came to the presentation and left after a couple of hours much wiser! I believe they were more than 100, among them there were most of the local business owners of the area and many local councilors and politicians from the Island.
The survey had stopped durring the seccond week of November as untill then we had received 603 completed responses.
Looking for someone to help us analyse the results of the survey we came across dr Kostas Tsoumanis.
Dr Tsoumanis is an expert in tourist marketing, has conducted several such surveys in the past and is currently the head of the National Tourism Organisation (EOT) department of the Ionian islands. He offered to help us and was pleasantly surprised by the results of the survey. The result of his analysis was a 80-page document, not only outlining the replies to the survey but going one step further to propose a long-term vision for Arillas and specific steps that need to be taken to get there!
For the full pdf (in Greek) go to the Arillas official website. (http://arillas.gr)
  Based on these results, the aim for the future is to maintain the authenticity of the village and develop according to a model based on sustainability and quality to become a pilot holiday destination that could serve as an example for other destinations on Corfu and Greece. To get there, all people of Arillas must first of all share this vision and work together to achieve our goals, one little step at a time. We believe this is the way out of the crisis. Get down to work and start creating something from the bottom up, little by little, in harmony with nature.
We have set our goals high, but we are committed to achieve them. We will do all we can to keep Arillas clean, authentic, green and hospitable and we will continue to improve our services to keep our old friends content and bring even more people to this piece of heaven on Corfu!

I will try and get the most important contents of the results translated and post them here.
We worked very hard to create this event, in Arillas it had a great outcome to the people who attended.

(http://arillas.gr/images/stories/20_01_1013.jpg)
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Janis on January 29, 2013, 12:58:07 AM
Quote
What people value more about Arillas is the peace and quiet, the authenticity and hospitality and in general the feeling of a village as opposed to a resort.
  - this is certainly (to us) very, very important.

Thank you very much, Dimitris, for letting us know of these results - it is good to know that all our friends in Arillas care enough to carry out the survey and to act upon the results

We love you all and can't wait to return - year after year!

Janis and Barry xx
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Erja on January 29, 2013, 08:04:32 AM
  • The average visitor of Arillas is over 45, travels single or with a partner/friend, stays two weeks or longer and is a returning visitor.

Yep yep, I am in this group and that is where I will stay. Thank you Dimitris for publishing the results and what encouraging results! :)
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: kevin.g on January 29, 2013, 10:35:13 AM
it just goes to show ,that arillas and its people care,as do its visitors,well done dimitris for getting this going ,im sure the stats will help,the residents and buisness  owners alike ,,
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: emeralddragons on January 29, 2013, 02:03:49 PM
Now it´s official. You have in writing what you already knew: we love you, Arillas!
Thank you, Dimitri.
Emeralddragons
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Ann K on January 29, 2013, 03:14:33 PM
This is so encouraging for everyone and must be an inspiration for the people of Arillas to 'keep at it' for all of us.  Well done and long may it continue.  We'll keep coming back.
Ann x
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Eileen on January 29, 2013, 04:33:51 PM
Yay, yay, yay...well done Arillas...keep up the good work and continue what you're good at...keeping us lot happy and coming back :-) :-) :-)

(...and thank you for respecting us by asking our opinions; also thank you for your efforts to create an interesting, evolving and caring environment for all who visit your beautiful village)

Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: justphil on January 29, 2013, 07:19:18 PM
The results surpise me not at all. But that doesn't detract from how amazingly good they are. I have always called Arillas the jewel in Corfu's crown, and now it seems that lessons will be learned about what makes hundreds of us keep returning.

I hope it really does help Corfu as a whole to start turning round the declining tourist numbers and see prosperity return in the future.


Efcharisto Dimitri for posting this.

Phil
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Steph ~ on January 29, 2013, 08:44:49 PM
 It's nice to be asked opinions and even nicer to see that something is actually done with the information, it gets back to those in the industry and who are responsible. 

To me (and no doubt everyone on the forum) the results are no surprise but it's nice to see the overwhelming love for the quietness, authenticity and warm welcome of Arillas. 

I hope that the results give the business owners of Arillas hope for the future and the knowledge that, if they keep doing what they are doing (and a little bit more) we will keep coming back - and bringing newbies along too. Good to see too that independent holidays are responsible for high tourist numbers - money going direct to those responsible for making our short time in Arillas so lovely.

Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for July 12th now and my next visit to paradise :)

Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on January 29, 2013, 11:45:13 PM
Thank you for publishing this Information dimitris
It is interesting to find out what matters and that the people of Arillas are determined to continue to make the village a place where Old and new visitors will feel it's warmth and welcome.

Quote
Based on these results, the aim for the future is to maintain the authenticity of the village and develop according to a model based on sustainability and quality to become a pilot holiday destination that could serve as an example for other destinations on Corfu and Greece. To get there, all people of Arillas must first of all share this vision and work together to achieve our goals, one little step at a time. We believe this is the way out of the crisis. Get down to work and start creating something from the bottom up, little by little, in harmony with nature.

Softly, softly, cachee monkey, this phrase will surley reap its rewards for Arillas, The people of Arillas and all it's visitors
 
Quote
•Another impressive fact is that the most popular answer (by far) to the question “What changes would you like to see in Arillas next time you come?” was “Nothing”!

If it's not beoken then dont fix it.
ARILLAS IS LOVED FOR WHAT IT IS. LONG MAY IT REMAIN THAT WAY
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Val n Bill on January 30, 2013, 01:13:02 AM
 
As long as the 96.5% continue to encourage friends and family to visit and Arillas remains the beautiful and friendly village that it is ..... then, hopefully Arillas will survive these hard times and the local economy will begin to recover.
I believe this is possible with the encouraging results this report presents.

                  Val x
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: vivian on January 30, 2013, 12:06:29 PM
I feel that this questionnaire has been taken very seriously by all that have read it and am very pleased about that and the final report.
So pleased that it agrees with most of the people that replied and that Arillas will continue to stay as it is, Im sure it will be the right way to go and in the future it will be good for the  economy of the locals and the council. Thank you Dimitris for doing this and pushing it so hard please also thank everybody involved. Love Viv & Pete
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: hampshire hawker on January 30, 2013, 03:58:46 PM
we are coming to Arillas for the very first time in September. In choosing Arillas(thanks to the help we received on the Corfu Forum) we were looking specifically for a village greek atmosphere and friendly locals. We found this on previous holidays to Elounda in Crete and I think Arillas will surpass Elounda. Looking forward to our holiday and to comparing Elounda with Arillas

Hampshire Hawker
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: justphil on January 30, 2013, 05:05:10 PM
Quote
looking specifically for a village greek atmosphere and friendly locals.

You've found it!
Phil
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Jo Wissett on January 30, 2013, 11:26:35 PM
Welcome to the forum Hampshire Hawker but do you REALLY think that we are going to let you get away with that?? Details please!! :-)
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: hampshire hawker on January 31, 2013, 12:49:24 PM
Hi Joe
We will be at Makris studios from 12th July for 2 weeks. So looking forward to it
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Jo Wissett on January 31, 2013, 01:18:32 PM
Ah you will love them, there are loads of great reviews on here.  I get there on the 20th so will have to say hi if you spot me!
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: hampshire hawker on January 31, 2013, 05:59:13 PM
Hi Jo
are you at the Makris then. Have you been before ? Are the roads lit up to the Makris ?
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Jo Wissett on January 31, 2013, 06:15:49 PM
We will be at the Marinaki which is on the beach front and I'm sure someone else will be able to help you with regard to street lighting x
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: hampshire hawker on January 31, 2013, 06:17:02 PM
Just noticed my first post said we were coming in September( senior moment)
 It is July
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Val n Bill on January 31, 2013, 06:27:32 PM

Lots of reports for Makris, we have stayed there, beautiful pool, nice apartments.
All roads to Makris and beyond have street lighting.

Sorry for going off topic Dimitiri.

        Val x
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: hampshire hawker on January 31, 2013, 06:53:04 PM
Thanks Val
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: vivian on February 01, 2013, 08:38:31 AM
Welome to the forum, Hope you find it intresting with loads og facts about Corfu and Arillas also hope you will find it fun with loads of laughter.Viv
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: hampshire hawker on February 01, 2013, 11:42:08 AM
Thanks Viv
I'm finding the forum vert informative and helpful not only about Arillas but also the people who live there and the people who holiday there !
Tny and Rose
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Steph ~ on February 01, 2013, 11:49:28 AM
 hampshire hawker - I'll be in Arillas from 12 July for 10 days, with 2 people who are new to the place so if you recognise me from my profile photo, do say hello! I'm sure you'll love it and this won't be your first visit! 
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: ouzo12 on February 01, 2013, 05:11:44 PM
Just finished reading the results of the questionaire, and agree with everything already said on this forum Arillas is the jewel of corfu. To Hampshire Hawker we also holidayed for many years on another island that we thought was the only place to be, until we went to Arillas, you will fall in love with the local people and the lovely little village we shall be there in June for our fourth time.
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: kevin.g on February 01, 2013, 08:09:41 PM
h/hawker
welcome to heaven ,,,,yammas..
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: PPMMAN on February 03, 2013, 07:08:44 PM
Jo Wisset dont need street lights she on auto pilot on the  to marinaki
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Jo Wissett on February 03, 2013, 07:11:19 PM
True Arthur, I only need the moon to guide me back to my gaff!
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Johnjue on February 16, 2013, 03:23:58 PM
we have been coming to our 2nd home for the last 17 years, stayed in many of the apartments. Congrats to all involved in arillas survey (us and them) nothing we didnt already know. our kids feel like they grew up there and we would be there in a heartbeat given half a chance.  although the beach doesn't look too inviting at the moment xxx
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Baywalker on February 24, 2013, 12:13:53 PM
Just returned to this good website after quite a gap. Moving house, change of internet provider etc etc. First message since re-registering.

We recall with fondness the hospitality of Dimitris, his wine and evening meals at a time when the website was just getting going.
An articulate bloke with hopes and wishes to welcome visitors and maintain prosperity of local folk without the blight of developers and multi-nationals. Long may that philosophy continue.

It's refreshing to see how local people listen to "the customer" and maintain their loyalty in so doing. Especially when times are tight for many people and with a holiday being such a big and potentially risky financial outlay, that you can feel confident that you get what you expect.

You wander about this website over the years and think to yourself this place has hardly changed at all. And as they say up here on Tyneside, that's champion, just champion!

John & Frankie
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Val n Bill on February 24, 2013, 01:01:25 PM

Welcome back John and Frankie, just reacquainted myself with your previous posts under Bay Walkers, thought I recognised the name. (Just click on members on the search banner).

As you see it's still a fantastic forum with the same ethos that it's always had. Dimitris provides a wonderful site that we are all so very grateful for.

Arillas itself is very much as it was, the people extending the same superb hospitality and warmth that you will remember.

Like you I also think that is 'just champion'. The 2012 Questionnaire proves that, and long may it last.

                   Val x
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: vivian on February 24, 2013, 03:38:14 PM
Hi John & Frankie, Nice to see members coming back after a long rest.
I think there were between 4 and 1dozen members when I first joined.
Dont post as regually as I used to but still have a nose everyday,
It's as addictive as Arillas itself. Viv
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: justphil on February 24, 2013, 06:00:51 PM
Ah viv, so identify with your comment about forum.
Quote
It's as addictive as Arillas itself.

I am still in rehab.....
Phil
Title: Re: The Arillas Online questionaire results for 2012
Post by: Val n Bill on May 01, 2014, 12:50:09 PM
       
     2014 Looking Forward

Well the season has begun, and lots of issues from previous seasons questionnaires have been addressed by the people of Arillas as early visitors have found out.

 In twentythree days Bill and I will be home to stay at the Mathraki to see them for ourselves. :)

Tried not to watch all of the changes shown..... but know we will have lots surprises to look forward to.

There will be NOTHING changed as Arillas can only improve...... it will always remain a beautiful Corfiot village that welcomes many return visitors year after year, this is because the business owners of the village care so much about giving their customers what WE want.

We are looking forward to the same hospitality that we always get from everyone, we will have a wonderful two weeks and then we will return as usual in August and do it all over again.

  Thank you Arillas.

  Val and Bill x