Russia, Turkey and Tanzania became the most popular tourist destinations for the New Year

Russia, Abkhazia, Turkey and Tanzania have become the most popular destinations for organized tourists for the New Year holidays.

"Tours in Russia are most in demand for the New Year - this is 65-70% of sales. Then comes Abkhazia - 15%, Turkey - 10%, Tanzania - 8%, Maldives - 7%, Cuba - 5% and the United Arab Emirates – 4,5%", - as the tour operator Intourist reported.

The company noted that a year ago the preferences of tourists for the New Year were different - the leaders were Thailand (21%), UAE (17%), Turkey (16%), India (10%) and Vietnam (6%).

"In total, the decline in sales before the New Year amounted to 55%. For the New Year's holidays, Russians spent 30% an average less than a year ago. The duration of trips has also decreased from 8 to 7 nights," the tour operator said.

In general, the average price for New Year's holidays in 2021 fell to 1 003 Euros (a year earlier it was 1 478 Euros). The average price for holidays in Russia fell to 551 Euros.

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Russia has closed flights to most countries in the world. By the end of December, direct flights were operated only to 14 countries. Flights to the UK have been cancelled since December 22 due to an outbreak of a new, more contagious type of coronavirus.