Despite the sanctions, difficulties in obtaining visas and the lack of direct flights, Russian tourists do not refuse to travel to Europe in the summer season of 2024.
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia interviewed its members to find out the demand for European beach and sightseeing tours. According to tour operators, the increase is 10-20% comparing with 2023.
According to experts from Russian Express, PAC Group, BSI Group, Space Travel and TEZ TOUR, Russians have adapted to the new travel reality and they are ready to book European resorts again.
Italy is the best place to book: both classic sightseeing tours and combined tours with an excursion program + holidays on the Tyrrhenian Sea are in demand.
THE VISA ISSUE STIMULATES SALES GROWTH
The new reality has "forced" Russians to reconsider their approach to planning trips to Europe, which has led to an increase in the sales depth of tours, hotels and air tickets. According to TEZ TOUR, the average booking depth of European resorts now ranges from 2 to 4 months.
"Such long periods are associated with the need to apply for Schengen visas, this requires tourists to make an earlier decision on booking a tour and a hotel. There is simply no budget segment in European destinations right now – due to the increased cost of visas and expensive air tickets," Space Travel states.
However, Russians can travel to some European countries without Schengen.
For example, to Montenegro. In July, the tour operator PAKS launched a flight program from Moscow to Tivat with Jazeera Airways via Kuwait. 36 flights are planned for the 2024 summer season, and PAKS notes a high interest in this product, which is associated, among other things, with visa-free entry to Montenegro.
WHICH EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND RESORTS ARE IN THE GREATEST DEMAND FOR THE 2024 SUMMER SEASON
Tour operators have named the TOP 6 European countries that are most in demand for beach holidays. These are Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Cyprus and Montenegro.
Greece has become the most sought-after country compared to last summer. Thus, Russian Express and Space Travel companies reported a twofold increase in sales of tours to Greece.
According to Russian Express, transportation is more accessible to Greek direction, and new premium hotels have opened. All this has spurred the interest of tourists. According to TEZ TOUR, 5* and 5* Deluxe hotels in Greece are chosen by more than 64% of customers.
"The hotels of the Grecotel, Sani, Ikos and Daios Cove Luxury Resort chains are well booked. Tourists with medium budget choose good 4* and 5* hotels on Rhodes and Kos. This trend is related to travel logistics: such tourists fly to Turkey, and from there take a ferry to the Greek islands," Space Travel said in a statement.
The need to fly through third countries pushes Russians to take longer trips: unlike Turkey and Egypt, most bookings in Greece are for 11-18 nights, Space Travel reports.
Photo by High Beach Hotels Collection
