Mick Sway
Well-known member
Lesvos May 2016/2017
I feel exactly the same Phil it was lovely to put so many faces to the people we are acquainted with through Birdforum and other social media.
Unfortunately we only had the internet in the Anaxos Hotel dining and bar area,so it became difficult to keep up dating this thread,using an ipad,while we were actually there.
Unfortunately as you are aware the lack of interest from birders this spring has resulted in Thomas Cook cancelling their April 2017 flights ( packages from Gatwick only from 06/05/217).
In addition Manchester flights have been ended by TC's from 2017.
It is also very likely that Thomas Cook will stop flying there completely from 2018, the only route left being to fly via Athens.
This and the actions of other carriers from North Western Europe has spelt disaster for the economy of Lesvos. Coupled with the ongoing problem of refugees from the Syria, Asia and the Middle East , it's hard to see any signs of an immediate recovery for the islanders.
It won't just hit the Hoteliers and Taverna owners but in addition all those who service tourism: suppliers, farmers, car rental, building and engineering services.
Despite all their problems, we found the welcome of local people warmer than ever, however the empty tavernas and bars told their own story.
I feel sad that so many of our regular Lesvos birders didn't show up in 2016 for one reason or another as the impact has become significant for travellers there in future.
I feel exactly the same Phil it was lovely to put so many faces to the people we are acquainted with through Birdforum and other social media.
Unfortunately we only had the internet in the Anaxos Hotel dining and bar area,so it became difficult to keep up dating this thread,using an ipad,while we were actually there.
Unfortunately as you are aware the lack of interest from birders this spring has resulted in Thomas Cook cancelling their April 2017 flights ( packages from Gatwick only from 06/05/217).
In addition Manchester flights have been ended by TC's from 2017.
It is also very likely that Thomas Cook will stop flying there completely from 2018, the only route left being to fly via Athens.
This and the actions of other carriers from North Western Europe has spelt disaster for the economy of Lesvos. Coupled with the ongoing problem of refugees from the Syria, Asia and the Middle East , it's hard to see any signs of an immediate recovery for the islanders.
It won't just hit the Hoteliers and Taverna owners but in addition all those who service tourism: suppliers, farmers, car rental, building and engineering services.
Despite all their problems, we found the welcome of local people warmer than ever, however the empty tavernas and bars told their own story.
I feel sad that so many of our regular Lesvos birders didn't show up in 2016 for one reason or another as the impact has become significant for travellers there in future.
