A multiple change in the demand of tourists for the summer was recorded by Russian tour operators. We are talking about the UAE, which cost now 15-20% cheaper than Turkey. And apparently, many tourists choose the UAE as an alternative to Turkey, which has risen in price.
Moreover, while prices are rising in Turkey, previously more expensive destinations, such as Thailand, Sri Lanka and even the Maldives, are beginning to “equal” with this destination. And Turkey continues to lose its positions due to inflated prices and problems with air transportation.
Although Turkey tops the list of popular destinations for Russian tourists, the demand for trips to this country has recently decreased, Artur Muradyan, vice president of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) and head of the Spase Travel tour operator, told.
The main reason is, of course, prices. “The volatility of the ruble also slows down the demand: everyone is waiting for the moment when ruble stabilizes in order to start buying tours. After all, you don’t want to buy a trip for $ 910, and in two weeks to find out that a tour has fallen in price to $ 860. Currency fluctuations always stop sales,” said Artur Muradyan.
As a result, the demand for Turkey's competitors has increased. Among them are the United Arab Emirates, the countries of South and Southeast Asia. Moreover, the cost of holidays in the UAE, Thailand, Sri Lanka and even the Maldives is now comparable to Turkey, Dmitry Gorin, vice president of the Russian Union of Tourism Industry, added.
“We achieved prices in these countries comparable to Turkey due to an increase of air transportation compared to last year, as well as due to the traditional reduction of prices by the Emirates and Asian countries for the low season,” he said.
Hotels in the UAE are now cheaper than Turkish ones by 15–20%. You can spend a week in a four-star hotel with breakfast in June for an average of $ 1 210 – 1 455.
