Tour operators: Russians are not eager to go to Cyprus, the paid visa will not affect demand
Russians are not eager to go to Cyprus.” Volumes in this area are small, so paid visas, which will be introduced in this country from December 1, will not affect the demand, representatives of the industry told RIA Novosti.
“The flow of tourists will not be less than it is now. Cyprus could not defend its right to somehow support the flow of tourists from Russia, as our country was a significant player there,” said vice president of ATOR, CEO of tour operator Space Travel Artur Muradyan.
According to him, tourists are now making their own visas there and at the expense of the introduction of the consular fee. “I think that the current microscopic volumes will not change”, – added the expert.
At the same time Muradyan noted that the full picture will be possible to see closer to the summer season, as in winter this direction is not in great demand among Russians.
Tour Operator “Intourist” also agreed with this opinion. “There is little demand (for paid visas – ed.) after cancellation of direct flights and booking of sunny Cyprus”, – added in press service of the company. They added that the Russians are now independently prepare documents to Cyprus. “We only provide visa support,” Intourist said.
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) with reference to the Council of Ministers of Cyprus earlier on Monday reported that the registration of a Cyprus visa for Russians will be charged starting from December 1 (currently it is free for Russian citizens). The fee for adult applicants will be 80 euros, for children from 6 to 12 years – 40 euros.
In September EU suspended the agreement on simplified visa regime with Russia. So, almost all the countries of the block increased the visa fee to these figures: for adults it rose from 35 to 80 euros, for children 6-12 years old – from 35 to 40 euros. In this case, according to ATOR, Cyprus was “the last of the EU countries” to update its visa policy for the Russians.
