Greece is bracing itself for a successful year in tourism with a rise expected in 2014 compared to 2013. Alpha Bank’s analysts predict that contracts already signed for this year’s season see a 10-20% increase compared to 2013.

Bookings from Germany, the United Kingdom and Scandinavian countries have significantly increased, with Russia also rating comparitive increases compared to last summer.

The business outlook for those in the hotel sector and travel agencies is looking bright with the business index for the Foundation for the Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) noting a 50.9% increase in the first five months of 2014 compared to 24.2% in the same period for 2013.

According to the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises, total arrivals, with the exception of tourists on cruise ships, will be at 19 million for 2014, compared to 17.9 million in 2013 and 15.5 million in 2012.

The increase is due to the improved situation in Greece as the financial crisis had raised concerns of social unrest. Analysts also point to the continued improvement of hotels with ultramodern units as another factor in the increase.

The development of different forms of tourism, attractively priced packages and reasonable prices coupled with the improvement of the transport infrastructure has helped boost tourism. Another influence has been the instability in Egypt and in the East Mediterranean having a slightly negative affect on cruises. Nonetheless, tourism from cruises is expected to be at 2013 levels when 2 million tourists visited Greece on cruiseliners.