Tour operators are waiting for foreign tourists in late autumn

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin extended for an indefinite period the ban on the entry of foreign citizens into Russia. Tour operators hope the restoration of inbound tourism in Russia will begin in October-November this year.

“Until April 30, inclusive, there is a restriction on entry into our country for foreign citizens. I signed an order of the government to extend this period until the fight against infection is completed and the epidemiological situation improves,” Mishustin said.

For some categories of citizens restrictions will be cancelled. In particular, this applies to the specialists who carry out adjustment and maintenance of imported equipment.

The exact date of lifting restrictions on entry into Russia is not called.

Tour operators in the field of inbound tourism, do not count on the restoration of tourism during the summer season. However, market participants do not exclude that this year they will receive foreign tourists.

According to tour operators, winter foreign tourist flow is not more than 5% of the total annual flow. Therefore, even if the borders open this year, tour operators do not expect to recover the losses of the summer season over the remaining autumn-winter months of the year.

Nevertheless, foreigners are expected in Russia for the New Year. “For the fourth year in a row, we arrange New Year's tours. This year, these groups have not yet been canceled, so we and our partners hope that the trips will take place,” says Igor Kuzmin, the CEO of tour operator.

Foreigners are already actively booking tours to Russia next year. The period from April to October (traditionally high season for inbound tourism in Russia) is in greatest demand. Trips are planned by tourists from Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore.