The number of visitors from the Russian Federation to the EU countries has fallen sharply, the European Travel Commission (ETC) stated. According to the organization's experts, in 2015 the flow of tourists from Russia to the EU countries will depend on the decline in GDP, inflation, the weakening of the ruble, lower oil prices and the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. Given the forecasts, the number of Russian tourists this year is unlikely to increase.

For some European countries, this is, of course, a significant loss, but in general, in 2015, European tourism is experiencing consistent stable growth due to successful marketing activities in all directions. The results for the first months of 2015 indicate a positive start to the tourist season and an increase in demand for tourism services along with the recovery of the region's economy, the organization said in a report on the results of the first quarter. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expects world tourism to grow by an average of 3 to 4% in 2015 after a 4.7% increase in 2014. European tourism, according to ETC forecasts, will keep pace with world tourism and grow by the same amount on average.

However, experts agree, some European countries may have economic problems due to a decrease in the flow of tourists from Russia. The number of Russian tourists in Europe in the first quarter of this year fell by 30% compared to the same period in 2014. At the same time, the drop in the Russian tourist flow affected almost all countries in the region. "The only two European destinations that saw an increase in Russian tourist flow in January-March this year are Montenegro and Romania," the ETC report says. At the same time, the outflow of tourists is observed even in such traditional markets for the Russian Federation as Turkey and Estonia.

The fall in the flow of Russian tourists to the EU is not the first day. Thus, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), in the first quarter of this year, the number of Russian tourists in such a popular country for our citizens as the Czech Republic has decreased by almost half. The number of tourists decreased by 47.8%, overnight stays - by 47.7%. As a result of this situation, the transport companies, whose business is related to the transportation of tourists. For example, the German tour operator Nicko Cruises, which organized cruises on European rivers, announced the start of bankruptcy proceedings. The company explains its decision by the crisis in Russia and Ukraine, which led to a sharp drop in demand for river cruises and, as a result, a reduction in the company's liquidity.

However, ETC believes that the situation is not so pessimistic: the Russian ruble went up and today “is considered one of the most effective currencies of 2015, although with a weaker starting position.” The coming months will show how much it is possible to offset the decline in Russian outbound tourism, the organization said in a statement. In the meantime, the European tourism market has to survive on its own resources: double-digit growth in the number of tourists at the intra-European level included Iceland (+31.4%), Croatia (+24.6%), Montenegro (+23.2%), Romania ( +13.1%), Hungary (+12.1%), Slovenia (+11.7%), Austria (+11.4%) and Serbia (+11%).

Against this background, the interest of Russian tourists in domestic destinations is growing. Demand for domestic tourism will grow, especially in the direction of Sochi. The overall demand for 4- and 5-star hotels can jump up to 40% this year, tourism revenues by more than 50% (due to additional influx of tourists from other countries), analyst at TeleTrade Investment Company Alexander Egorov expects. At the same time, the average bill is likely to grow by at least 15% to 4.8-5 thousand rubles for a day's stay.

Asian countries remain popular for Russians, although the flow of tourists there, as well as to Europe, has fallen. The overall drop in demand for tour packages for the year amounted to 40-50%. So, according to RBC, in Cambodia in the first months of 2015, according to the country's Ministry of Tourism, the flow of tourists from the Russian Federation amounted to about 18.3 thousand people - 51% less compared to the same period of the previous year. In January-March, 95.8 thousand Russian citizens visited Vietnam, thus the drop was 27%. In 2014, the flow of Russians to Thailand fell by 8.6%, continuing to decline in 2015. The number of tourists visiting the Philippines in January fell by 12%.

The share of Russian tourists did not exceed 6% in the total European flow even in a calm 2013, when there was no talk of sanctions or the devaluation of the ruble, Margarita Gorsheneva, development director at QB Finance, points out. So, she is sure, for the countries of Central Europe, the decrease in the tourist flow from Russia will go unnoticed. By the way, it is the residents of the central EU countries, especially Germany, who form the main flows of tourists in the countries of southern Europe, Italy, Spain, and Greece, traditionally popular among Russians. Indeed, the expert admits, in winter the situation was somewhat different: the decreased demand for ski resorts(about 45%) among Russians has significantly hit the tourism industries of Austria, Germany, Italy, Andorra, but in summer the tourist flow shifts to the south, and here the lost 30% is more than compensated by both the Europeans themselves and tourists from Asian countries (Korea and China), where the demand for holidays in Europe is growing every year.

In addition, Gorsheneva emphasizes, -30% for the first quarter is not so much when compared with forecasts at the beginning of the year, when they talked about 40-45%. The strengthened ruble with a rather weak euro has already begun to contribute to the growth in demand for holidays in Europe, and it is possible that this influence will reduce the drop in demand to -20% by the end of the second quarter.

Today, only Greece is fighting for the active attraction of Russian tourists, but it has its own geopolitical motives, in addition to financial ones. Otherwise, at the state level, with the exception of Turkey, not a single European country is taking steps to create special conditions for attracting Russians specifically. There is still time before the high season, so the situation may change, but demand will grow already thanks to a strong ruble and a weakening euro.

For Russia, the decline in tourist flow to Europe will provide an opportunity for the active development of domestic tourism. For example, rather impressive financial and resource injections into Crimea will strengthen its own tourist positions. Improving the quality of service in existing hotels, as well as opening new ones, may be especially relevant for domestic tourism. Given the ambiguous situation in Europe, Kirikov predicts, tours to the EU countries are unlikely to become top destinations in 2015, and the reorientation of Russian travel companies to domestic travel will be more promising than ever.

Moscow in 2016 expects to receive 17.5 million tourists, said mayor Sergei Sobyanin at the presidium of the city government.

“The tourism industry plays a significant role in the city's economy, we have come close to the fact that the share of tourist consumption in the gross regional product will be about 500 billion rubles. This is a significant amount. It is good that every year the number of tourists does not decrease, but increases. Over the past year, the number of tourists has increased by almost 500 thousand people, and, according to travel agencies, this flow will only increase,” Sobyanin said.

The gradual increase in tourist traffic is associated with the holding of major sports competitions in the capital - the 2016 Ice Hockey World Championship, which starts on May 6, and two football tournaments - the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2018 World Championship.

In the next few years, the tourist flow will only increase. The authorities expect 18.4 million people to visit the capital in 2017 and 19.5 million in 2018.

In 2015, 17.1 million tourists visited Moscow, most of them Russian citizens.

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Mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin

Winter hiking is considered to be the lot of extreme lovers in love with nature. But what if behind the ideological forcing of snowdrifts there are advantages and benefits available to everyone? We tell you why it is necessary to get out into nature in winter.

special air

In winter, there is practically no dust in the air, but the oxygen concentration rises by 10-15%. At this time, an outing into nature becomes a real healing session: while walking, ventilation of the lungs increases one and a half to two times, and useful saturation occurs faster.

Products keep longer

In the cold season, the backpack automatically turns into a portable refrigerator - you can take with you not only perishable products, but also delicacies that are not typical for a hike, such as dumplings or frozen vegetables. By the way, we wrote about how to choose the right dumplings and how many pieces you can eat without harm to your figure and health.

Secret paths open

In winter, many bodies of water freeze, opening up new routes and opportunities. Walking around the island in the middle of the lake, approaching an inaccessible rock on the river bank, shortening the path right through the swamps - this is the advantage of sub-zero temperatures. The main thing is to remember to be careful: earlier we knew what kind of ice it was dangerous to go on and how to determine its density by eye.

Well, when else will it be possible to stand on your head in the middle of the lake? Photo: Pavel Raspopov

Easier to burn calories...

In the cold during exercise, the body burns more calories - spending them, among other things, on warming up the muscles and maintaining the desired body temperature. To enhance the effect, you can take trekking poles with you on a hike: they will force all muscles to participate in the movement. They will also help to overcome impassability, unload your back, increase walking speed and even protect yourself from injuries in case of an unsuccessful fall. We wrote about how to choose how this wonderful unit is.

...and harder - the forest

In order to set fire to something surrounded by snowdrifts (sometimes even the fire itself) - you have to try very hard. This means that you can not waste time on overly painstaking lining of the fire pit and not worry about every spark flying out of the fire. You can also extinguish the flame in a matter of seconds.

In winter, the fire is safe for the forest. Photo: Evgenia Skachkova

A new look at old landscapes

Snow and ice transform nature beyond recognition. Dense thickets suddenly turn into a magical forest from a New Year's card, and the usual Railway on a frosty evening, it shines as if someone had scattered kilograms of sequins over it. The rocks look especially impressive: bright snow emphasizes their relief, all the unique shapes, cracks and depressions.

For example, a pond near Upper Barancha was covered with amazing snow crystals in November. Photo: Pavel Raspopov

This is not the top of the "thousander" ridge, but the modest Mount Kolpaki on the border of the Sverdlovsk region and Perm Territory. Its height above sea level is only 614 meters. Photo: Pavel Raspopov

And this is how the Old Lens, familiar to many, is transformed into different time of the year. Photo: Pavel Raspopov

Easier to see wild animals

In winter, animals become bolder in search of food: birds are more likely to fly up to you for treats, and a curious fox may well appear not far from the camp. If you are not lucky with a personal meeting, you can admire the animal tracks - the snow does not leave a chance for a secret movement. However, here it is worth remembering about safety: how to behave when meeting with forest dwellers and not disturb the most dangerous of them, we will tell you in detail next week.

This is what rabbit tracks look like. Photo: Evgenia Skachkova

Harder to see other tourists

With the advent of winter, the number of tourists decreases even in the most popular natural parks - which means that you can not push on narrow paths. This fact will definitely please introverts and those who like to enjoy nature alone.

Less discomfort from precipitation

Even in the heaviest snowfall, you won’t get wet through, you won’t find yourself in squelching boots, and you won’t end up in a puddle on a washed-out forest path. Enjoy until spring arrives.

Forget about arachnophobia

If you would like to get to know wildlife, but the thought of its creeping-biting representatives puts you in a panic, then winter - best time for the first trips.

Whether it will be a weekend walk with a return to the warmth of civilization or a full-fledged extreme hike with an overnight stay in tents - it's up to you. An intermediate option is to use special shelters for tourists.

For example, the cost of a comfortable overnight stay in Oleniye Ruchiki ranges from 450 rubles for a place in a wooden house (with a refrigerator, electric stove and outdoor toilet) to 1000 rubles for a bed in a two-room suite with sofas, TV and all amenities.

In the ecotourist complex "Merry Mountains" (the territory of the Visimsky Reserve), guests are offered houses with modern renovation, fireplaces and panoramic windows. The price of pleasure is 1000 rubles per day.

You can spend the night on Taganay by paying 150 rubles for a place in a stationary winter tent with stove heating or 500 rubles for a bed in a comfortable wooden house.

On Zyuratkul, for staying in a house with amenities, they will ask from 350 to 1000 rubles, depending on the conditions.

From camping tents to "city" rooms, nature parks offer accommodations for all tastes. Photo: website of the natural park "Deer Streams" / website of the natural park "Taganay"

I remind you that if you have any questions regarding hikes - send them to the mail. If possible, we will find answers to them together!

Plot

Evgenia Skachkova, a columnist for the Regional Newspaper, talks about camp life and life on campaigns.

Tourists are increasingly interested in Russian regions, and the infrastructure of large tourist cities and popular places can already compete with Western holiday options. Domestic tourism in Russia will continue to grow, Dmitry Davydenko, chairman of the All-Russian Association of Tourists, deputy chairman of the Public Council under the Federal Tourism Agency, is convinced.

TRN: Dmitry, do you agree with the opinion about the allegedly observed decline in the domestic economy?

Dmitry Davydenko (D.D..): There is no recession! There is growth and redistribution of flows. Flows are redistributed from tour operators to other tour operators, from tour operators to independent travelers, from to others. If, for example, the Anapa airport shows a decrease in flow, then this does not mean at all that the flow to Anapa has fallen, but, moreover, that the total has fallen. To assess the fall or rise in flow, other data must also be taken, in addition to the airport data. We need data from Russian Railways, automobile, accommodation facilities. Growth of some companies Krasnodar Territory amounted to more than 50 percent in 2017.

Assumptions about a decrease in the number of domestic tourists come from travel companies not from the first league. And this is understandable. The fact is that large international tour operators have entered the domestic tourism market, which have already begun to bite off, and will soon eat all the tasty parts of the common pie and leave small operators without tourists.

These large operators were engaged in outbound tourism, and now they are betting on domestic tourism. And in the coming and next year, small companies will sag even more in domestic tourism due to the activity of large tour operators with a huge developed distribution system. They have their own planes, flights, and they put them on regional destinations. Such companies have a lot of partners, more financial opportunities, including for promotion. They can give a discount due to blocks of places in hotels ... That is, they can make the product cheaper, which means more competitive.

TRN: What are the statistics on how actively domestic tourism is developing?

D.D.: Here are some numbers. According to Rosstat, in 2014, 38.4 million Russians used hotel services in Russia, in 2015 - 49.2 million, in 2016 - 54.28 million, and in 2017, according to preliminary data, more than 56.8 million million. These are figures, we emphasize once again, for the inhabitants of Russia.

There was also an increase in visits to our country by foreign tourists. In 2014, 4.6 million tourists from abroad were accommodated in Russian hotels, in 2015 - 5.6 million, in 2016 - 6.1 million, a preliminary figure in 2017 this moment is 6.4 million foreign tourists.

TRN: How actively is organized domestic tourism developing now?

D.D.: Consumers choose different paths. Travel companies provide a fairly cheap flight, which they cannot provide regular flights. Therefore, a tour with a charter flight is cheaper. But we have a lot of car tourists and those who travel by train.

D.D.: Of course, the economic crisis has taken its toll. Tourism in general always actively responds to political and economic changes in the country. When there was a jump in the dollar, we sank international tourism. Then the population got used to the situation, and foreign tourism began to grow again. Then the closure of Turkey again strongly affected the growth of domestic tourism. People quickly changed Egypt to Vietnam and Thailand. Of course, if Turkey returns as a full-fledged holiday destination, there will be an outflow of tourists. But all the same, the growth of the internal is already constant and it will not curtail.

The growth of interest in recreation is growing, which means that the economy is stabilizing, consumers trust the tourism sector.

In general, in general, we are seeing a trend of interest in Russian regions. There is no sharp jump yet, but we see interest. The best growth, to sum up, is shown by Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi and Crimea - beach and sightseeing tourism.

TRN: Don't you think that so far our domestic tourism is often more expensive than foreign holidays? How much rest inside Russia is now available to the consumer?

D.D.: If we compare beach tourism, then our Sochi is quite comparable with Turkey, Greece, Spain, Crimea.

As for unusual vacation options, like, say, Baikal, it is fair to compare it only with the same expensive extraordinary vacation in some interesting places abroad. Yes, the infrastructure on Baikal is not yet developed, let's be honest. But the population will not go there en masse, this is a special tourism. In winter there are severe frosts, in summer midges. These places have their own tourist. And for him, of course, you need to create decent conditions.

As for our main sightseeing cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow, they already create strong competition for Paris, Rome, London. We are showing good growth in sightseeing tourism.

TRN: How do you assess the prospects for the development of domestic tourism this year?

D.D.: In 2018, we will see a significant increase in domestic tourism, given that Russia will host the World Cup. In addition to a million fans from abroad, we will also have a decent domestic flow. I assume that the number of tourists in Russia will increase by at least 6 million people. Thus, if in 2017 the volume of the domestic tourism market was 56.8 million people, then this year we expect 62–63 million tourists.