The last few weeks have seen a rise in interest for Greece, from the Russian market, according to Greek Hoteliers and Russian Tour Operators. For those involved, they estimate that this trend will continue and reach it’s peak by the beginning this year’s season.
The increase in reservations has reached figures as high as 20% for the most popular destinations for Russians, such as Halkidiki, Kos, Rhodes and Corfu. However, despite this very welcome increase in demand, of more visitors to Greece, the amount of income expected, is not likely to reach the levels of 2014, when the numbers of Russian tourist in the Country approached 1,2 million. This was before the drop in the value of their currency and the closure of tens of travel agents, that followed.
Tour operators in Russia are talking about those tourist travelling abroad with organised packages, in 2017 being between 20 and 30% more than last year. Destinations which stand out as the most stable, in the choice of Russian holidaymakers, are Greece and Turkey.
TUI Russia reports that Cyprus and Turkey are selling very well, but Greece is improving in demand, along with Spain, Bulgaria and Montenegro.