Russian Visas to Greece Increase By 30% in 2012

 (credit: weloveunicorns)

The number of visas issued to Russian tourists visiting Greece in 2012 apparently rose by at least 30 pct, to 581,984, as opposed to 2011. Greece's in Moscow, Yiannis Plotas said recently that in addition, multiple visas, issued for special categories of citizens making frequent trips to Greece and countries of the Schengen area also increased by as much as 90%.

Based on initial reservations and data from cooperating tour operators, the Consul estimated that tourism from Russia to Greece in the current year is going to increase by as much as 20%. Meanwhile, a similar trend is recorded in tourist numbers from the Ukraine to Greece, as the visas to Greece issued by the Greek Consulate in Kiev skyrocketed by more than 104% in 2012, as opposed to 2011.

A report from the state news agency said that Kiev has set an all-time record in December 2012, with visas issued to Greece skyrocketing a massive 784.49 pct (to 5,590 from 632), which just shows the increased Ukrainian and Russian interest to visit Greece also during the Christmas period.