Association of Russian Tour Operators: Russians Don't Have Enough Money for Vacations Abroad
The Director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), Maya Lomidze, stated that most Russians have abandoned tourist trips abroad due to financial constraints during the New Year holidays.
“This is the first time that people don’t have enough money for a holiday abroad or even a holiday within the country,” Lomidze said. According to her, tourism decreased by 30% in comparison with the same period a year earlier. Domestic tourism rose by 6-10 % at all resorts. Lomidze added that holidays in the most popular places in Russia went up in price by 15-17%.
“It seemed a serious concern and many people decided not to go anywhere,” she said.