Two-thirds of Russian tourists are waiting for the opening of borders within six months, one-third in summer

As a survey conducted by the NAFI analytical center in April 2020 showed, two-thirds of Russian tourists traveling abroad are waiting for the opening of borders within six months, a third in June-July, young travelers are most optimistic.

The survey involved a thousand respondents aged 18 and over who have traveled abroad over the past two years.

“Russian tourists are showing optimism in assessing the ability to go abroad in the near future. 64% expect the opening of borders in the next six months, 33% - in June-July 2020. Young travelers aged 18-24 are most optimistic: 36% of them believe that the borders will be opened in May,” the the analytical center told.

According to the survey, the vast majority of Russian tourists do not have much concern about coronavirus infection. Only 18% speak of a strong fear of coronavirus, 62% - of a little fear, 20% are not at all afraid to get sick. Moreover, even among those who speak of a strong fear of the virus, one in three does not exclude the possibility of a trip across Russia and abroad. Despite quarantines is introduced everywhere, 67% of respondents (9% of all Russians) plan vacations in the coming summer.

“The majority of tourists (56%) say that the main reason of refusing from travel in the summer of 2020 is the uncertainty that this will be possible technically - borders will be opened, hotels and other facilities will work. The second most common reason is a significant decline in income that has already occurred or is expected (18%). Fears for their health are in the third place - 13% of tourists named this reason,” the NAFI said.

According to the survey, approximately equal shares of tourists (46% and 42%) plan trips abroad and around Russia. According to NAFI, we can expect an increase in the number of Russian tourists who prefer to spend their summer vacations in 2020 within the country.