Russian Tourists Opt For Greece

The total number of visas issued in June to Russians for travel to Greece increased by 60.68 percent, according to data provided by the Consul General of Greece in Russia, Ioannis Plotas.

More specifically, 184,135 visas were issued to Russians last month, compared to 114,595 in the same month in 2012.

In a recent interview to Russian-language magazine “Greece,” Mr. Plotas said a major increase in visa applications to Greece has been recorded at the Consulate General of Greece in Moscow compared to last year.

He added that all visas issued during the first half of 2013 amounted to 398,066, compared to 241,988 for the corresponding period in 2012, an increase of 64.49 percent.

Particularly encouraging are the figures released in regards to multiple entry and long term visas that last more than six months and up to five years in accordance with Schengen rules.

These visas are granted to Russian citizens that make repeated trips to Greece (and other countries in the Schengen zone) and allow them to make more than one trip to the country within the same tourism season and same year, thus increasing the benefits for Greek tourism.