Ural tour operators believe that Russians will go abroad no earlier than in the end of August

Tourists will be able to travel abroad, most likely, not earlier than in the end of August, said Executive Director of the Ural Tourism Association (UAT) Mikhail Maltsev.

"At the moment, actually all tour operators are preparing foreign tours for the summer. But taking into account the current and constantly renewed restrictions, of course, it is difficult to fully predict the opening dates of a particular destination. We predict that before the end of August there will be no full-scaled work in foreign destinations." - said Mikhail Maltsev.

He also noted that the foreign side is ready to host Russian tourists this summer, but everything will depend on how soon the borders are opened.

“Foreign colleagues are ready to receive Russian tourists. But not 100%, they also still have a number of restrictions. Much will depend on the opening of air connections from our side. We think that these will be gradual, phased steps. At first, some regular flights will be restored, then charter flights. A lot of time will pass before the restoration of a full-scaled charter air service," he stressed.

The executive director of UAT also added that today the travel agencies that sell foreign tours for July do so at their own risk.

“Travel agencies that currently sell foreign tours for the month of July do so at their own risk. The most competent and responsible agencies now write in the contract that a date can be postponed,” Mikhail Maltsev concluded.