The restoration of tourist flow in the Greek direction is largely facilitated by a well -thought range of flights with one transplant through Istanbul or the UAE and the summer flights from Istanbul to the capital of Crete Iraklion, Russian tour operators say.
In addition, the design of the Schengen visa is a relatively simple procedure, which also stimulates demand. Pantheon CEO Anatoly Garkushin notes that there are not very many reservations of Greece, but the interest of tourists in the direction is high. Sales activation can be expected a little closer to the summer:
“Transportation to Greece and a year ago was well represented: Turkish, Arab, and Greek airlines flew to Athens and some islands. On Rhodes, one could get a ferry from the Turkish vigor or fly through Yerevan – both options were inexpensive. On Mikonos, they flew through Dubai, on Corfu it was possible to get through Belgrade. In conjunction with the least problematic procedure for the design of Schengen, the direction has every chance to grow well at the end of the season. ”
Garkushin also talks about the nuances:
“They are booking until the end of the season, mainly request luxury hotels. The consulate of Greece gives out visas in two weeks. Recently, a meeting of tour operators with the consul was held on the eve of the high summer season: there are no changes according to documents, only from this year they require an extract for pensioners from the Pension Fund, and for workers from the tax. ”
He recalled that before Pandemia, Crete was one of the most beloved by the Russians of the Greek Islands: they were attracted by a large hotel base, a good excursion program, the hospitality of local residents. In this regard, he believes, the flight through Istanbul with one transplant will be in demand.
Sodis reported to increase demand for tours to Greece by 30% compared to last year:
“We associate this with the launch of the Aegean Airlines flight from Istanbul to Iraklion. Prior to this, I had to fly to the island with two transfers – from Moscow to Istanbul, then to Athens, from there to Iraklion. We are already writing out tickets for the Aegean. “
The head of the sales department Irina Manuilskaya added that Crete is well suited for the most frequent request for the summer: relaxation with a family at the hotel at sea with a good beach for at least 10 days:
“There are many good hotel chains in Crete and a large excursion program is possible. The Russians have pleasant memories of rest on the island in memory. The lack of “all inclusions” does not bother them – people love Greek cuisine, seafood. And everyone wants to visit the Cretan evening with abundant snacks and Sirtaki. ”
The expert clarifies that rest in a good five-star hotel for two will cost 600-700 thousand rubles per week, quotes GreekrePorter:
“So far, the cost of living in Cretan hotels looks lower than in Turkish. True, the price is usually indicated for living with breakfast, sometimes at half -panecion, while Türkiye offers the “all inclusive” format. But this does not matter, since the tourists really missed Crete and in Greece in general, many Türkiye is already tired. Of course, the Greeks give out visas for the dates of the trip, but with a monthly corridor, and in just 10 working days, and the same Italy has already announced 45 days for registration. “
According to tour operators, Crete leads among Russians in the number of applications among the regions of Greece. Chalkidics and Corfu are also popular. The analyst of the Russian Express PR service Elizaveta Tymoshenko noted that the demand for rest in Greece by the upcoming summer is 175% higher than the same indicator of 2024. The top 3 of the most popular regions included Crete (39%of applications), Halkidiki (29%), Corfu (13%). She notes:
“Book 4.5 months in advance. The average trip of the trip is 811.6 thousand rubles. Through the Online Express, Athens and Attica, as well as Crete, mainly book. There are single applications for Thessaloniki, Mikonos, Zakinf, Corfu, Kos and other Greek regions. We submit documents for a visa for our tourists as part of accreditation, regardless of the general entry in visa centers, at a convenient time. If a set of documents is collected correctly, it is possible to apply for a visa to Greece within two business days. ”
The most popular flight options to Greece, she called Turkish Airlines and Aegean Airlines flights through Istanbul to Rhodes and Crete.
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