By the end of 2018, the number of Russian tourists who went on holiday outside their region - both in Russia and abroad - has grown. Such data presented the analytical center NAFI (National Agency for Financial Studies). So, in general, this number increased by 12%, from 26 to 38%. In absolute terms, it is 43 million people. The number of overseas holiday lovers increased by 7% - up to 23 million people.
At the same time, the number of tourists who prefer a beach holiday is growing from 34% to 43%. On the second position are the lovers of outdoor activities, from skiing to fishing - their number increased from 23 to 29%.
Moreover, 29% of respondents organize their own holidays themselves. Clients of travel agencies are 14%. 45% of respondents did not make any tourist trips over the past three years.
Recall, the previous study in tourism for 2018, presented by NAFI, confirmed trends which are well-known for the domestic tourism industry. Potential tourists save money: mostly preferring a single summer beach holiday a year, only 13% of the population goes abroad, and this figure is significantly lower than in 2017. The development of domestic tourism is hampered by infrastructural problems and quality of service.
Among types of recreation, 34% prefer beach rest. In the group from 18 to 24 years, 55% of the respondents prefer it, and in the group from 25 to 34 years - 48%. People at age 40 and older vote for rest at home or in the country. Also, the older generation often votes for a wellness holiday at boarding houses. By the way, the share of outdoor enthusiasts - hiking, skiing, and snowboarding - has also decreased - it is 23% (30% in 2017).
As already mentioned, every tenth Russian traveled abroad last year (13%), and last year this figure was almost three times higher (36%). Expectedly, residents of the Russian capitals (25%), and young people from 18 to 44 years old (16-17%) go abroad more often. Those who remain in Russia are primarily stopped by economic barriers. At the same time, respondents stated that 31% prefer to organize rest themselves, another 11% choose group holiday.
Also, tourists have optimistic plans for the near future: 28% plan to go on vacation abroad next year, and 40% want to go on a trip along Russia. The demand for travel services has not changed compared to previous years: 27% plan to turn to tour operators. In 2017, this indicator was at the level of 26%, in 2016 - 28%.
Also, the shares of those who want to organize their vacations themselves have remained almost unchanged - they are 28% and the younger the Russians are, the more often they want to organize their own travel. Thus, in the group from 18 to 24 years old, 46% of respondents plan to independently buy tickets, 40% plan to book accommodation. In a group over 55 years old, only every tenth person is ready to buy tickets for transport and book hotels (11% and 8% respectively).
As for domestic tourism, as NAFI experts noted, the opinion about poor organization of tourism, lack of organized and attractive places for recreation continues to prevail in the public consciousness. However, over the past year, 26% of tourists rested in Russia outside their home region. Most often, residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg went to rest to other regions - 38%.
