Demand for skiing tours in Italy has increased

According to market participants, the volume of sales of ski tours in Italy increased by an average of 15-20% in annual terms. Tour operators see the reasons for this surge in demand both in the changed consumer behavior of Russians and in the expanded assortment of tours.  An increase in sales of ski tours by 15-20%, according to experts, is connected both with the variety of transportation in the Italian destination (for example, there are more charters), and with very attractive prices for regular flights when buying tickets in advance - tourists are booking tours in an purpose to save money.  “The tours to the skiing Italy began to be booked much earlier than last year. This is due to the lower cost of air tickets buying in advance,” the experts of the tour operator Russian Express explain. 

In addition, tour operators have significantly expanded their range of resorts and accommodation facilities, so the Italian product is available to almost all tourist audiences.  Experts from the tour operators Pac Group and Coral Travel reported a 15% increase in sales, Ics Travel Group talked about a 20% increase in demand and Tui Russia noted a three-fold increase for winter Italy. 

This season, Tui has added the traditional flight program to Verona with a charter chain to Turin, which will make holidays at the ski resorts of the Valle d'Aosta more affordable. Representatives of the tour operator Intourist also noted an active demand for Italian ski tourism products. This season the tour operator launches its own charters from Moscow to Verona, so the company expects a significant increase in sales in the destination. 

According to market participants, New Year’s dates are in demand first of all. In addition to the peak period, as it was noted by Ics Travel Group, due to affordable accommodation prices, tours in early December and dates after the New Year holidays are also popular. According to Coral Travel, at present time the most requested dates are the tours starting on December 28, as well as January 4, 18 and 25 and February 1.