Greece Pre-bookings from Russia on the Rise

Pre-bookings by Russian travelers for Greece are picking up pace and have started earlier compared to last year, according to Russia’s tour operators.

Data by the Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR), indicates that pre-bookings have quadrupled compared to a year before.

Mouzendis Travel, operating for the most part in Russia, said pre-bookings for the summer have increased by 400 percent citing informative events and promotional campaigns held in Russia as well as attractive package deals offered by Greek hoteliers for the increase.

According to tour operators working with Russian travelers, the latest trend is long-term accommodation – over three weeks – with many families seeking to rent out houses by the sea or even villas for over a month.

Crete remains the top choice for Russian holidaymakers with a new interest in the Peloponnese.

Airlines serving Russia to Greece include Aegean, Ellinair and Russian national carrier Aeroflot. Mouzenidis Group’s Ellinair recently announced plans to connect Moscow and St Petersburg with the port town of Kavala.

According to tourism agents, the sense of security, the wide array of tour and adventure options, the clean beaches and fine Greek food are the determining factors in choosing Greece over other destinations.