Russian outbound tourism falls by 20%, further decline expected

The flows of tourists have been mainly reduced due to the depreciation of the Russian ruble, some people went to domestic beach destinations. Fewer Russians took holidays abroad this year, a decline of 20% compared with 2014, an advisor for tourism to the Russian culture minister, Nikolay Novichkov, said on Thursday. "Experts say we have a decline in the outbound tourism of around 20%," Novichkov told the international tourism forum held in Russia’s Urals city of Perm on August 13-14. The flows of tourists have been mainly reduced due to the depreciation of the Russian ruble. "Second, Russia’s own beach destinations have emerged and some people went there," he said. "Third, and this is our potential, namely the potential of developing tourism in the regions," the advisor said, adding: "Even if this is one third of this 20%, this is very big, and we can fight for them." The latest trend is likely to continue as there are no preconditions for the outbound tourism to start growing again. "The decline in the outbound tourism continues. If we speak about the prospect for the next 3-5 years, the situation will not change significantly, and the outbound tourism flow will fall. This is a potential for the domestic tourism," Novichkov said.