Sales of tours abroad by tour operators decreased by 30%

Sales of tours abroad by tour operators decreased by 15-30%.  About 30% of booked tours of travel companies were canceled, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).

“At the current moment, tour operators estimate the overall decline of sales at the level of 25-30%. The depth of sales also fell - maximum of 2-3 weeks before arrival. Some companies note that the decline of sales is due to the fact that all foreign tours have been sold out for the coming dates,” the message says.

ATOR emphasizes that many tourists have postponed the purchase of tours due to an increase of price of air tickets associated with a sharply increased demand for foreign flights. Some tourists took a wait-and-see attitude.

“At the same time, there are destinations where prices have not increased. For example, this is Cuba. And, in addition, the leading companies, using charter programs and blocks of seats on regular flights, did not experience a sharp increase of prices,” the Association added.

Tour operators estimate the volume of cancellations at a maximum of 30%, and several weeks are needed to return to normal situation.

“As soon as air prices, and with them the cost of tours, stabilize, then sales will level off. But, of course, the general atmosphere of tension and uncertainty among tourists also plays a role,” ATOR notes.