Russian Tourists Refuse to Save on Holidays during the Crisis


Russian tourists who have taken a liking to holidays in exotic countries, are not giving up their little indulgence in hard times. According to the annual report of the Russian Tourism Industry Council, in 2008 the sales of tours to Bali and the Dominican Republic have gone up by the record-breaking 479% and 143% respectively.

“Over the past 8 years the number of Russians visiting Indonesia has increased severalfold from 2100 in 2005 to 38000 in 2008”, according to the press-centre of the Russian Tourism Industry Council. Now Russia ranks 11th top source of incoming tourists to this Asian country. The majority of Russian tourists choose the popular Bali.

Tour operators take this tendency into account. “Exotic destinations do everything to attract Russian tourists”, says Maya Kizankova, Leading Manager of Eurobusinesstour. According to Ms Kizankova, as a result of the crisis a lot of hotels in Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius have come up with special offers: free nights, bonus programmes, etc. Emirates has special flight deals. ‘When you buy a wedding tour to Mauritius, there is a 30-50% discount for accommodation for a bride’, says Ms Kizankova.

Russian tourists will continue going to exotic countries this year. ‘We can confirm that there is an increased demand for exotic destinations’, says Alla Filimonova, Director of the Business Development Department of Caribbean Club. ‘Not only in Moscow and St Petersburg, but also in the regions, where a considerable number of our orders come from. The May break was almost completely sold out. We are booked up approx. three weeks in advance. The biggest demand is as usual for the Dominican Rep, Cuba and Jamaica’.

Interestingly, Russian tourists who choose exotic destinations, unlike Europeans, have no plans to spend less on accommodation. ‘No doubt, the crisis has affected the demand’, says Kizankova. ‘Those who used to choose 5* deluxe, are asking for cheaper options. Fewer customers want to fly business class.’

Travel industry experts confirm social statistics. According to the data issued by the research centre ROMIR, 80% of the population of the Russian cities have no plans to spend less on holidays during the crisis.

Top 10 holiday destinations in 2008:
1. Turkey - 2212,8 (thousand people)
2. China - 2059,3
3. Egypt - 1426,7
4. Finland - 666,9
5. Italy - 398,1
6. Spain - 365,4
7. Greece -349,2
8. Germany -330,3
9. Ukraine -309,8
10. Thailand -258,8

Source: www.gzt.ru