Russian Tourism in Greece: A Troubled Year for 2021
An Unfavorable Climate
The state of Russian tourism in Greece this year can best be encapsulated by the phrase, “When the climate is unfavorable, even the donkey suffers.” The pandemic, ongoing political tensions, visa complications, and changes in flight schedules have all contributed to a significant drop in Russian tourist arrivals in Greece for 2021. As we look ahead, uncertainty looms regarding what next year will bring.
Shocking Statistics
Official statistics from airports across Greece tell a dire story. This year, Russian tourist arrivals failed to surpass 100,000, a stark contrast to approximately 610,000 arrivals in 2019. This number marks a shocking decrease of nearly one million visitors compared to the record years of 2013-2014.
Initial Optimism Falters
At the beginning of the tourism season, the signs from the Russian market appeared promising, and projections were optimistic. In April, former Tourism Minister Haris Theocharis returned from Moscow with hopeful news, stating that Greece anticipated at least 500,000 Russian visitors this year, close to 2019 levels. The country intended to accept those vaccinated with the Russian Sputnik vaccine without any additional checks, allowing for a smooth entry for tourists holding either proof of vaccination, immunity certificates, or negative COVID-19 tests.
Challenges Pile Up
Although optimism was prevalent, the tourism landscape began to shift. The Russian tourism sector was slow to get off the ground due to pandemic-related delays, with May and June effectively passing without direct flights to Greece. A new government decision implemented on June 30 added to the complications, mandating that all Russian arrivals, regardless of vaccination status, present a negative PCR or rapid test certificate. Additionally, travelers from Russia were subjected to testing upon arrival.
Visa Delays Compound Problems
During this same period, significant delays plagued visa centers in Russia, with many locations in provincial cities remaining closed and new procedures for children’s visa applications complicating matters further. These developments contributed to an already fraught situation for potential travelers.
Major Tour Operator Ceases Operations
In mid-June, Mouzenidis Travel Greece, the largest tour operator bringing visitors from Russia to Greece, announced it was ceasing operations. Following the unexpected death of its founder and a dramatic 95% reduction in revenue due to the pandemic, the company effectively went bankrupt, further exacerbating the challenges within the tourism sector.
Popular Destinations for Russian Tourists
Despite the setbacks, certain regions in Greece remained favorites among Russian tourists. Crete and Halkidiki, along with Rhodes and Corfu, continued to attract visitors, though in vastly reduced numbers. In 2019, Crete welcomed over 270,000 Russian tourists; however, by the end of September 2021, that figure plummeted to around 36,000. Similarly, the Thessaloniki airport, primarily serving Halkidiki, saw arrivals from Russia fall from approximately 160,000 in 2019 to just 35,000 this year.
A Major Decline in Popular Islands
Rhodes faced a steep decline, with only about 16,500 Russian tourists visiting in 2021, compared to around 110,000 in 2019. Corfu fared slightly better, receiving nearly 9,000 Russian tourists as opposed to 45,000 in 2019, showcasing the broader downturn in interest from this market.
Insights from Russian Tour Operators
Dimitris Charitidis, CEO of TEZ TOUR Greece, one of the largest Russian tour operators, shared his insights, stating, “Many things went wrong this year. The Russian market did not open freely and started late.” Although Greece began accepting tourists on May 14, the first significant flights from Russia didn’t resume until July 10, primarily limited to flights from Moscow.
Flight Availability Is Limited
Charitidis pointed out the limited flight schedules, with only five flights a week to Heraklion and four to Rhodes – and none from other significant cities such as Saint Petersburg. This restricted availability hampered the ability of potential travelers to reach Greek destinations.
Response to Regulations
The new regulations announced on June 30, which stated that tourists vaccinated with Sputnik would not be admitted, drew considerable backlash from the Russian public. Compounding the issue, bureaucracy surrounding visa applications became increasingly complicated, particularly for families traveling with children who were now required to obtain notarized consent from parents for their children’s travel.
Competing Destinations Shine
The surge of Russian tourists gravitating towards alternatives like Turkey and Cyprus was evident. Charitidis noted, “The Antalya region is an impressive destination, and even now you can swim in the sea, with excellent infrastructure and services,” which likely contributed to its appeal among Russian tourists.
Concerns for Future Travel
As we look into 2022, concerns about rising fuel prices threaten to inflate airfare, further complicating travel plans. Current epidemiological conditions in Russia remain a significant concern, casting doubt on future bookings.
Turkish and Cypriot Successes
By September, Turkey had reportedly welcomed over 3.3 million Russian tourists, even with a tourism season starting at the end of June. Cyprus also benefitted, accommodating over 400,000 Russian visitors, showcasing the competitive landscape for tourism in the region.
Political Tensions Take a Toll
Ergül Kagan, Vice President of Pegas Hellas, one of the largest Russian tour operators, characterized the situation as politically charged. He explained that the deteriorating relationship between Russia and the European Union resulted in retaliatory measures that affected travel to Greece. This year, charter flights to Greece were virtually non-existent, restricted primarily to limited scheduled flights from Moscow.
The Appeal of Greek Destinations
Despite the setbacks, Kagan emphasized the enduring love Russian tourists have for Greek destinations, labeling Greece as a prominent brand. The allure of locations like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Kos remains strong, attributed to the country’s cuisine, entertainment, and hospitable people.
Looking Ahead with Caution
As we move forward, Kagan noted that it is premature to make predictions, asserting that a clear picture of the tourism landscape may not emerge until early March next year. However, he expressed optimism, believing that movement within the sector might restore more normalcy by 2023.
Conclusion: A Year of Challenges and Uncertainty
The landscape for Russian tourism in Greece during 2021 faced formidable challenges from several fronts. While initial optimism hinted at a recovery, the cumulative impacts of the pandemic, visa difficulties, and political tensions led to an unprecedented decline in visitor numbers. The future remains uncertain, yet with hopes for resolution of current issues, there may be a gradual return to normalcy in the years to come. As we await clearer skies, the lessons learned in this tumultuous year will undoubtedly shape the strategies of Greek tourism for years ahead.
