Russian Arrival Increase Expected This Year

Over one million Russian tourists are expected to visit Greece this year, according to predictions made at the Greek Forum 2012 held in Rodos recently. The forum was organized by Russian tourism organization Labirint.

During the forum, the Greek Culture and Tourism Ministry’s strategy (implemented over the last two years) to develop the Russian market was outlined. According to figures, some 180,000 Russian tourists came to Greece in 2009 and that number increased to some 370,000 in 2010. Last year, visitors from Russia increased by 64 percent to 738,927 arrivals.

However, the predictions of “one million Russian arrivals” for 2012 was considered an exaggeration due to the low visitation at the Greek pavilion during the 19th Moscow International Travel and Tourism (MITT) exhibition held in late March.

During the exhibition, reports referred to a 19 percent increase of visa approvals from Russia to Greece for 2012.

Greek businessmen have mentioned a “good development” in bookings, which have increased 15-25 percent.

Reports said this year’s upward trend of Russian arrivals to Greece remained to be seen as it also depended on Greece’s situation, on the efficiency of visa procedures of Greece’s consular authorities and if strikes, riots and episodes would occur.