The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has calculated that the tourist flow from Russia to European countries has decreased by 95% since 2019. The reason for this, in addition to the pandemic, was the anti-Russian sanctions of Western countries and, in particular, the closure of air borders.
“In 2019, about a million tourists from Russia traveled to all countries, with the exception of France, Great Britain and the Scandinavian countries, for tourism purposes,” said Maya Lomidze, executive director of ATOR. According to her, now the flow of tourists from Russia to Europe is equal to "several tens of thousands."
According to the organization, in 2019 the most visited European country among Russian citizens was Finland (3.9 million trips). Estonia (1.9 million trips), Germany (1.4 million) and Italy (1.3 million) follow.
The organization points out that if until 2019 the EU countries were collectively visited by more tourists from Russia than from Turkey, now the situation has changed. “In 2020-2021, there was practically no Europe in the tourism market,” Lomidze added.
ATOR Vice President Artur Muradyan said that now "5% of those who flew to Europe continue to do so, despite the cost and difficulties with logistics". At the same time, those who wish to go to European countries are forced to do so with transfers in Finland, Istanbul and Dubai due to the closure of borders.
Some Russian tourists, according to ATOR, "reoriented" to the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives, and "30-40% moved to Turkey." Turkey remains the most popular country among Russians, the Krasnodar Territory is the leader among domestic destinations.
According to tour operator Tez Tour, Egypt tops the list of the most popular overseas destinations, while Turkey ranks second. "The United Arab Emirates and the Maldives are also among the 5 most demanded destinations," the company emphasized. The fifth place in the ranking is occupied by tourist flights within the country.
Photo: Unsplash
Author:
Ahmed Sadulayev
Source: RB
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