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Tourism News Round-up
One million plus Russians to China
According to reports approximately 1.1 million Russian tourists visited China last year. Many of these visitors live in the border regions close to China and only a small number travel from Moscow and the rest of Russia.
Whilst this business suffered during the SARS outbreak it is now back to previous levels. According to the Chinese embassy in Moscow more than 200 visas are issued every day, approximately one third of these are Tourist visas.
Russian customers account for 6% of Luxury market in Rome
According to a statement issued recently by Forte Hotels, Russian customers are acknowledged as one of the most important source of business for luxury hotels around the world. Russian visitors accounted for 6% in Rome last year and are respected for their high spending and requests for suites. Forte Hotels is looking to increase business from Russia by opening an office in Moscow. Forte Hotels operate 2 hotels in St. Petersburg.
Ekatherinburg prefers Antalya 70% increase
Interest for Antalya, Turkey has boomed from Ekatherinburg this summer with an estimate increase of more that 70%. Ural Airlines has boosted arrivals with additional charter flights from Ufa.
100,000 Russians Visit Great Britain
According to the British Ambassador, Sir Roderic Lyne, more than 100,000 Russians visited Great Britain during the first half of 2003 and that less than 5% of the applicants were refused visas.
The Ambassador added that the issue of visa free travel for Russians to the UK and other EU countries would be resolved in the coming years as has been expressed by extensive talks between Russia and the European Commission. The British Consulate offers a fast an efficient visa service. Most applicants receive their Visas within 24 hours and only 7-8% are required to visit the Consulate for an interview. The costs for a British Visa is currently GBP.36.- and there are no current plans to change this charge.
Bulgaria sees significant (45%) increases
Figures released by the Bulgarian Ministry of Economics state that tourism from Russia to Bulgaria has increase by more than 45%. From January to June 2003 Bulgaria registered 37,778 arrivals from Russia. In comparison the total arrivals in 2002 was 26,075. Many factors have contributed to this increase, the largest being the privatisation of the hotel sector, the flexibility of the Russian tour operators and additional charter flights.
Turkey maintains position
Turkey appears to be maintaining it's position as the most popular summer holiday destination for Russian clients. Despite a substantial reduction over the May holiday due to word events, booking are now on level with the previous year. Initial consolidation of flights lead to a shortage of capacity, however the main charter companies recognised this quickly and were able to increase charter capacity. Most popular is Antalya followed by Dalaman and Bodrum with one leading tour operator currently operating 23 flights a week!
Other Tourism news
World events have effected tourism to Tunisia with a substantial reduction in the number of flights and discounting has become rife amongst the tour operators for this destination.
Tourism to Spain maintains it's previous levels and the increase of interest to Majorca has resulted in 4 extra flights being added.
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