Positive signs for tourism in Greece, minister reports

Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos on Monday spoke about hopeful signs in terms of the number of tourist arrivals from Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Turkey, the new tourist markets targeted by Greece.
Referring to Russia, he said there was a 60 pct increase compared with last year, stressing that the 650,000 tourist arrivals set as a target this year will definitely be met. As regards tourist flow from Ukraine, it rose 50 pct, from Israel 30 pct, while tourist arrivals from Turkey also recorded a double digit increase. Many visitors from the Balkans chose camping sites in northern Greece which are easily accessible by car.        
Commenting on his recent trip to Russia, Geroulanos stressed that notable progress has been made in visa issuance and that ways are being considered to make the procedure even easier. Referring to the tourist residence venture, he stressed that the measure will be implemented in five star hotels, stressing that interest has already been expressed by Russian and Israeli tourists.