Well-being Russian tourists have not given up on expensive trips abroad, even in a crisis

MOSCOW. May 26. INTERFAX-TOURISM - Demand for expensive overseas trips was hardly affected by the economic crisis, in some areas the sales of tour operators are even better than the year before, he press secretary of the Russian Union of Travel Industry Irina Tyurina reported.

"The crisis almost didn't affect the tourists of this segment, they do not give up flights by private aircraft and luxury accommodation on the island villas," Irina Tyurina said, referring to the tour operators.

According to her, the following destinations are popular for such clients: Japan and the islands of the Indian Ocean - Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives. Some tour operators have even reported an increase in sales for such category of tourists. Tours to the United Arabic Emirates from February to May this year, also are sold better than a year earlier. Less demand is for Latin America, Malaysia and Indonesia.

According to the experts, the segment of mass demand for overseas holidays decreased more than in the segment of expensive tours. Particularly thr European countries - such as Spain, Greece, Italy and France - were affected.