Will Rhodes become year-round resort on the Russian market?

The Ministry of Tourism of Greece will promote the island of Rhodes as a year-round destination. The Russian tour operators working with Rhodes, as with the summer direction, doubt that the island will interest Russian tourists in the low season. And there are a number of significant reasons for this. One of them is the mentality of our Russian tourists, who in winter are trying to travel to warmer countries for a beach holiday. "In despite of the fact that the climate on the island of Rhodes is comfortable almost all year round, we do not expect a surge of sales of Rhodes in the winter season. The Russians prefer hot countries for winter holidays, where you can relax from cold winter. In the priority are the countries of Asia: Thailand, Vietnam and India or the United Arab Emirates - for those residents of central Russia who prefer short flights", - noted the press service of ANEX Tour operator. Georgi Masmanidis the CEO of Mouzenidis Travel Greece, recognizing the development of the tourist infrastructure of Rhodes, nevertheless says that it is necessary first of all to provide all-season direct flights in order for the island to become year-round. "With flights through Athens or Thessaloniki, the island will not be able to be positioned as year-round", - he emphasizes. The second point, which the expert pays attention, is the price offered by the local hotels. "The hotel base on Rhodes can function all 12 months a year. This is especially true for the city of Rhodes and the surrounding areas. However, special tariffs from hotels are required to interest abroad guests and very competitive prices", - the expert notes. The press service of Biblio-Globus tour operator notes that not all Rhodes hotels are ready for high-quality work in the low season. "Firstly, in the winter period the number of operating 4-5 stars hotels with heated swimming pools and SPA centers is limited. Some Rhodes hotels in winter stop their work. Secondly, many high-level hotels in low season are not ready to reduce prices to a minimum, as the function of a high-level hotel requires the work of a large staff", - the company notes. TUI Russia operator notes the weather factor - "In winter weather conditions on Rhodes are less comfortable than, for example, on Cyprus. The average daily air temperature on the island in December - February period is +15 degrees, moreover, in the winter months there is a high probability of rain. And additionally many shops and tourist facilities are closed on Rhodes during winter season”.