Sochi Russia’s most popular destination for New Year holidays — deputy minister

The Black Sea resort of Sochi has become the most popular New Year destination for Russians, Deputy Culture Minister Alla Manilova said on Friday. "Sochi is an all-season resort, the demand is unprecedented," Manilova said. "All hotels for the New Year are already booked." According to Manilova, Russians are also interested in other tourist sites, including Siberia, Lake Baikal and Kamchatka peninsula in the Far East. Major travel agencies are now focused on the domestic market, she added. Russians will enjoy long New Year holidays from January 1 to 10.