Crete’s tourist bus owners hold two-day mobilization over fuel costs
Tourist bus owners across Crete began a two-day mobilization on September 10, calling for immediate government support measures and the adjustment of financial agreements to reflect sharply higher fuel costs, according to a joint statement from industry associations.
The action, which continues on September 11, follows a meeting of the expanded boards of two industry bodies representing owners of tourist bus operators in Crete. According to the statement, the meeting addressed what it described as serious problems caused by a “dramatic increase” in fuel costs and its impact on the operation of tourist buses.
The associations said both sides in the discussion recognized the difficulty of the current situation. They stated that agreements already signed with foreign tour operators must be honored, since these form the basis of the tourism market’s normal functioning and the trust relationships built over time.
At the same time, the statement said the prices agreed under those contracts were set under “entirely different economic conditions,” and that the rapid rise in fuel prices has “overturned every original financial calculation,” placing an unsustainable burden on operating costs. The associations said it is now extremely difficult, and in many cases financially impossible, to continue providing the same services at prices agreed in a different economic environment.
Calls on government and industry
The associations called on the government and relevant ministries to recognize the urgency of the situation and move quickly toward substantive decisions and permanent support measures for the tourist bus sector, which they described as essential to the smooth operation of Greek and, in particular, Cretan tourism.
They also urged fellow operators to take the new economic conditions seriously and, where their financial capacity and existing agreements allow, to proceed with necessary price adjustments for the remainder of this year’s tourist season.
For future contracts, both with tour operators and between travel agencies and their partner tourist bus owners, the associations said they consider it necessary to include a clear and objective “fuel clause” that would protect both sides from extreme cost fluctuations. This measure, they said, would help create stable, fair and sustainable partnerships and prevent similar difficulties from recurring. The rising cost of fuel comes as fuel prices in Crete remain above €2 a liter, even as the government has extended a diesel subsidy.
The Association of Tourist & Travel Agencies of Crete said it remains committed to unity within the sector, to dialogue, and to finding solutions that safeguard the continued smooth operation of tourism and the viability of professionals serving Crete’s tourism industry.
