MOSCOW-MITT 2000. The Russian market holds good prospects for Greece according to Greek tourism entrepreneurs who participated in the
MOSCOW-MITT 2000. The Russian market holds good prospects for Greece according to Greek tourism entrepreneurs who participated in the
The Greek stand, which was smaller in size this year, hosted within its 500 square metres 25 exhibitors most of whom believe that the Russian market is gaining greater significance each year for the Greek tourism industry.
The phenomenon which saw mass Russian tour operators go bankrupt between 1994 and 1997, causing problems for many Greek travel agents and hoteliers, is finally retreating. The Greek sector now takes especial care and is better organised when dealing with Russian operators from whom it usually requests pre-payment.
The visa issuance problem which has arisen due to the Schengen treaty was the prime concern of Greek businessmen attending MITT. The Greek consulate, the Hellenic Tourism Organisation (EOT) and several company representatives agreed that Greeks and Russians must learn to organise themselves around the new conditions brought on by the necessary evil. Those agencies which operate in the proper manner and offer quality tourism should not face difficulties, they said.
EOT chairman Yiannis Stefanidis, who headed the Greek delegation at MITT, had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Russian political leadership and with tour operators.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
