Minister Brings Good News From Key Markets

Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos last month expressed optimism in regards to the number of arrivals from Greece’s new target markets: Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Turkey.

Russian Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy Minister Vitaly Mutko and Greek Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos held talks in July on bilateral tourism relations between the two countries. Mr. Mutko expressed his belief that Greece is a safe destination for Russian tourists.

During a briefing to the Greek media last month on the results of his recent tour to the four target markets, Mr. Geroulanos said Russia was becoming a key market for the Greek tourism product.

According to the culture and tourism minister, arrivals from Russia during the first six months of the year increased by 60 percent compared to last year. He added that the aim of 650,000 Russian arrivals this year should be considered certain. (In July alone, arrivals of Russian tourists to Greece increased by 180 percent compared to 2010.)

The minister told journalists that a 50 percent increase in arrivals was recorded from Ukraine, a 30 percent increase from Israel and a double-digit figure from Turkey.

In regards to his trip to Russia, Mr. Geroulanos referred to the progress that has been made in visa issuance and told journalists that the ministry was examining the possibility of major Russian tour operators assisting with the visa issuing process. “It is estimated that we will save funds this way and use them on advertising in this market,” he said.

The minister said he aimed to establish the issuance of multiple-entry visas for Russian citizens that would allow them to visit Greece, travel to other countries and then return to Greece.

Mr. Geroulanos had told the media while in Russia that Greece was working with Israel to allow Russian guests to visit both countries.

The cooperation between the two countries is expected to continue as in September Greece and Israel plan to approach India as a new target market.