Russia to see increase in tourist arrivals
Moscow:Russia is set to see a 20% increase in visitor arrivals over the next four years fuelled by the hosting of major sporting events, reveals research unveiled today at WTM Vision Conference – Moscow.
Russia is hosting an array of sporting events over the next six years climaxing with the FIFA World Cup in 2018. The sporting schedule starts next year with Moscow’s hosting of the World Athletic Championships and the Rugby Sevens World Cup. Also in 2013 is the Universiade (University games) in Kazan, while 2014 sees Sochi have the Winter Olympics.
These events will bring an increased focus to the Russian inbound tourism industry which will help visitors peak at more than 28.3 million – up 20% on 2012’s inbound tourists figure of 23.7 million, delegates at WTM Vision Conference – Moscow at the Moscow Marriot Grand will hear this morning.
The Euromonitor International report reveals this increase will be mainly fuelled by European destinations with Finish visitors increasing by 16% to nearly 1.3 million visitors in 2016. Polish visitors will increase by 25% to 857,000 in 2016, visitors from the UK will increase by 17% to 250,000, with Turkish visitors rising by 19% to 243,000.Visitors from the US will also increase by 15% to 301,000 in 2016.
Currently, Russia’s largest inbound markets are the former Soviet republics of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan mainly due to the close connections and similar linguistic and historical links, enabling tourists to meet easily with friends and family.
Inbound visitors are also expected to increase from China due to the simplification in visa regulations between Russia and China.
However, the report – The Travel Industry Global Overview – states that visa barriers are currently a major restriction for inbound tourism to Russia. Visitors from most countries require a visa to enter which must be obtained in advance. There are on-going talks with the EU regarding changes to the visa process.
Another restriction highlighted are hotel prices in the main tourist destinations; these are extremely expensive and should be reduced in order to attract more tourists.
Furthermore, Russia outbound tourism spend is expected to rise an average 8% a year until 2016.
Russian outbound distribution is swiftly shifting online with a 50% increase in online spend predicted over the next four years. Growing internet penetration, combined with the recession has encouraged online searches as travellers seek bargains, mainly seen within transportation.
Reed Travel Exhibitions Director World Travel Market Simon Press said: “The findings are very positive for the Russian market. As long as the visa restrictions are minimized, Russia will see its tourism industry grow substantially over the next few years.”
“Russia will be showcased to the world with the hosting of all the major sporting events taking place, this being the perfect opportunity to highlight Russia as a tourism destination”.
