Hit hard by the global economic crisis, as well as regional competition, the Greek tourism industry looks like it is going to make a surprising comeback. there are strong indications of further strengthening tourist arrivals from Russia, since they are already expected to exceed 1,000,000 in 2012 alone!
This was recently noted at a Greek-Russian tourism forum which was organised by the Greek-Russian chamber of commerce. The event titled "Mapping the future" and which was held in Hersonissos, Crete, presented data showing an astronomical increase in tourist arrivals from Russia. For instance 275,000 arrivals were recorded in 2009, 400,000 in 2010, approximately 740,000 in 2011 and this year they are expected to exceed 1,000,000.
Greek-Russian Chamber of Commerce president Christos Dimas referred to the close relations between the two countries and to prospects in the tourism sector, stressing that this is also being proved by the great participation of leading Russian tour operators in the conference.
Tourism ministry secretary general Tassos Liaskos said that the Russian market is opening to Greece continuously, based on positive relations between the two countries.