The demand of Russians for foreign tours in the New Year period increased by 60%

The demand of Russian tourists for foreign trips during the New Year period showed record growth, increasing by an average of 60% compared to last year. This was announced on November 26 by Maya Lomidze, Executive Director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), during a press conference at TASS dedicated to the winter holidays of Russians.

"We have deduced an average figure, somewhere in the order of plus 60%. And this has been such an unprecedented breakthrough in demand for outbound destinations over the past few years," TASS quoted her as saying.

According to the representative of ATOR, various tour operators record an increase in demand from 30% up to 70%. A significant factor in the increase in interest in foreign holidays, as noted, was the reduction in prices for travel packages compared to 2024. The most noticeable decrease in prices was recorded in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Thailand, while prices in Vietnam remained unchanged.

Egypt occupies the second position among the mass tourist destinations and may top the rating at the end of the winter season, Lomidze said. Its popularity is explained by its affordable pricing policy, a reduction in the cost of tours by 5-9% and the spread of the all-inclusive system.

China is the most popular among residents of the Far East and Siberia, although this area is not among the top five in the all-Russian rating. The sales leaders were Thailand with a share of 24%, Egypt with 23%, the United Arab Emirates with 19%, Vietnam with 8% and Turkey with 7%. Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Chinese island of Hainan, the Indian state of Goa and Cuba are also in demand.

The average cost of travel packages for two with a flight varies from 150 thousand to 450 thousand rubles. Thailand and Vietnam remain the most expensive destinations, where prices reach 350-450 and 380-440 thousand rubles, respectively, while tours to Turkey remain the most budget-friendly option, costing from 150 to 260 thousand rubles.

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Alexander Osaulenko, Vice President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry, said on July 23 that new destinations for tourists, including international trends, are opening up in Russia. At the same time, there is an increase in demand for travel to the Middle East. He recalled that new destinations are opening up in Russia this year, for example, the countries of the Middle East — Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia. According to international indicators, these areas are among the most advanced in terms of dynamics.

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