Tour operators report about record increase of demand for ski resorts

The increase of demand for ski tours market players estimated at a level of 30-50% against the same period of the last year. According to them, the growth of the tourist flow is accompanied by an active early booking since March 2017 and a good depth of sales - until March 2018 inclusive. Tour operators explain this trend by improving of economic condition in Russians. Sales of the ski product show excellent dynamics this season. For example, according to the early booking rates, they are 50% on average higher than last year. The depth is good for the whole season as a whole. Among the internal reasons for the record growth of the tourist flow the tour operator note the post-crisis expansion of the company's flight program to Alps from Moscow and the regions. According to the information of the tour operators, on the first line in the list of popularity for skiers this year is Italy (about 45% of bookings), then follows France - about 25%, Austria - 23% and Switzerland - 10%. The demand for accommodation in hotels 3-stars and higher has risen noticeably and tours to 5-stars hotels are in demand. Let's notice that according to the rating of BANKO Service in the season 2017-2018 on the first place of preferences for the skiers is Andorra. The Jet Travel operator emphasizes that so-called deferred demand played a role in the growth of the tourist flow –the skiers who refused to go to the mountains for the last two years could no longer miss the current season. In addition, this year the first resorts in Alps began to open in late October - early November and winter promises to be snowy. Deputy General Director of the tour operator Maxim Pristavko also noted the trend of this year: the most popular dates have shifted from January 2 to December 30. Most likely, this is due to the fact that the pre-holiday day falls on Saturday and January 9 is the first working day.