Greek hoteliers evicted Russian customers, “Southern Cross” – Proceedings

Greek hoteliers evicted Russian customers, "Southern Cross" – Proceedings

Photo: JOURNAL

September 10 guide tour operator “Southern Cross” announced the suspension of its activities. reasons – strong falling demand amid the bankruptcy of a number of the largest travel agencies. According to the director of Dmitry Fesik abroad is 5836 visitors who bought vouchers through «Southern Cross» . This is mainly Greece, Italy, as well as China, Mexico, Dominican Republic and other countries.

Total rounds in a given operator acquired 12,275 people, and the depth of sales reached in March 2015.

– The only consolation is that in the last days of a little decrease in the number of tourists are traveling abroad. However, until recently took a tour operator reservation and therefore money – said the press secretary of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (PCT) Irina Turina. – Perhaps ordinary employees were not aware of the problems. But travel agents and tour that does not help.

According to a senior adviser to the Russian Embassy in Greece Vladimir Maystrenko, customers “Southern Cross” in Greece is about 3.6 thousand. Man.

– We must pay tribute to the Greeks, Greece Travel Association headed by Andreas Andriantisom appealed to local hoteliers to ensure that they provide the normal end of stay in the country for Russian tourists and give them every assistance – said Maystrenko. – Greeks want to keep a positive image of the Greek tourism industry. Benefit hoteliers listen. Yes, and the Greek Ministry of Tourism is working constructively.

Help with the Greek side, according Maystrenko due interest in the development of Greek tourism ties with Russia. Russia to Greece is one of the key areas, so they are hoping that after the Russian services market situation is stabilized, the number of tourists in this area will increase again.

However, according to Embassy Counsellor, the work makes it difficult to
  geographical specificity of the country: many islands, and there is no direct
 messages, which makes it difficult to evacuate and provide assistance to Russians. Also
 present and unfair work hoteliers. Some hoteliers do not want to go to meet the Russians in trouble – already documented cases of the detention of personal belongings of our visitors to make payment, the eviction of Russians from the hotels.

– Of course, cases of bad faith hoteliers to Russians Unfortunately, there is, in fact can not be influenced at all -
  Maystrenko said. – It has no administrative not
 regulated, and the leaders of the tourism industry can provide
 only recommendations. It should be noted that the number of calls for assistance
  Embassy and the Consular Section in comparison with the previous cases
 bankruptcies decreased significantly. People already know the sequence of actions.
 Our fellow citizens are aware of the association “Turpomosch” and try to
 apply there directly.

Online Association “Association of Tour Operators in the field of outbound tourism” Turpomosch “presented two numbers: Moscow and All-Russia free. However, attempts to get through at least one of them for a few hours have not been successful – calls constantly reset. For an explanation of the reasons for “Izvestia” addressed to the director of the association Vyacheslav Basov, who promised to look into this situation.

In an email to the “Turpomosch” secretary of the organization said that the problems with dialing arise from the a large number of calls.

«tubes we certainly take, but the line, of course, is overloaded, – wrote the secretary of the association Svetlana. – There is a large number of calls for two bankrupt carriers. Try the call again. ”

Explanation representatives “Turpomoschi” logical: when abroad, only one operator, “Southern Cross” there are more than 5 thousand. tourists, and they all want to get advice. Obviously, the resources available to the Association, should be increased.

September 15 held an extended meeting of the Committee of Commerce and Industry of Russian Federation on entrepreneurship in the sphere of tourist activity. According Tjurina, September 5, the problem in this area have already been announced at a meeting of the PCT. It was decided to submit for consideration of the question of the delimitation of responsibility of tour operators and travel agencies, tour operators and carriers.

– We have proposed to the government a few steps to the tourists, while on the trip, did not notice the bankruptcy of tour operators . In particular, the mandatory provision of tourist to the departure of the Russian flight there and back, as well as a document of the booking. The Ministry of Transport has supported the PCT in this matter.

Also, according to Tyurin, a package of measures includes a change in the order of formation of the compensation fund “Turpomoschi” and the creation of another – the insurance fund.

– «Turpomosch” was not the most effective tool, but without her solve the problem of stranded travelers would be even more difficult. So in terms of – improving the mechanism, – said Turina.

September 8, one of the largest tour operators of St. Petersburg – the company “Solvex tour” suspended operations, citing debts accumulated as a result of no sales tours. This summer, for the same reasons cited and leaders to cease their activities firms “Neva”. Later, her fate reiterated Moscow “Windrose World.” Also during the summer tour operators stopped work “Labyrinth”, “Expo Tour”, “IntAer”, “Surgutkurort”, “Etude”, “Veter».