An important step towards reinforcing Cretan tourism is the Iraklion – Moscow flights by Hellas Jet which began last month, according to industry sources.

A look at recent statistics shows that Crete is the first choice for Russians (27 percent) who prefer Greece as a vacation destination.

Last year 80.000 Russian tourists visited Crete with charter flights to Iraklion airport and this year the numbers are expected to rise as much as 15 percent.

“Russia is the fastest growing country in Europe for exporting tourism and the third internationally after India and China,” said Alexandros Glynos, manager of the Porto Elounda Hotel. “Russians appear in one of the top positions internationally of nationalities who spend a lot on their vacation.”

Meanwhile, the minister of tourism development, Aris Spiliotopoulos, has announced the tripling of funds for the promotion of Greek tourism on the Russian market this year, which brings the amount to 1.000.000 euros as opposed to 350.000 spent on the campaign last year. 

At the same time, the percentage of Germans who for financial reasons will not take a vacation this year has increased.

Locally in Crete, industry leaders predicted a 57 percent increase on reservations with 5-star hotels, while very little interest appears to purchase low-category beds.

Also, 4-star hotels appear stable while lower categories percentages seem to be on the decline.

“The acute problem of seasonal tourism is still our industry’s Achilles heel, responsible for the chronic seasonal unemployment which leads thousands of skilled workers to the unemployment lines while many choose another career,” an industry spokesman said.