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airBaltic behind increase in number of Russian tourists in Latvia, Lithuania
During the first half of 2010, Latvia and Lithuania were among the top five fastest growing destinations for Russian tourists, according to that country’s Federal Statistical Service. In first place was Thailand, with an increase in tourist numbers by 118.5% in comparison to the same period in 2009, followed by Lithuania (92.3%), Egypt (65.4%), Latvia (59.8%), and Montenegro (58%). Russian travel agencies, which provide services related to the Baltic States have confirmed that the increase in tourist numbers can be attributed specifically to airBaltic operations.

Janis Vanags, airBaltic vice president for corporate communications: “Thanks to airBaltic and the successful Live Riga campaign, the number of tourists at Riga’s hotels has increased by 35% this year, and 5,000 jobs have been created in the capital city’s tourist industry.”

It is thanks to airBaltic that Latvia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Russian tourists. Travel agencies in that country attribute this fact to the country’s good geographic position, its Baltic Sea shoreline, and the fact that European level services are provided for a lower price. Riga is also a popular transit hub for Russian tourists who are heading for other cities in Europe.

The number of airBaltic passengers from various departure points in Russia increased by 70% during the first half of 2010 in comparison to the same period in the previous year. In Russia, airBaltic provides services in Moscow, St Petersburg, Archangelsk and Kaliningrad.

After launching 27 new routes this summer, airBaltic became Europe’s largest flag carrier in terms of new routes and received the anna.aero ANNIES award for this fact. airBaltic serves 80 destinations from its home base at Riga, Latvia. From every one of these, airBaltic offers convenient connections via North Hub Riga to its network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, CIS and the Middle East.

Vicky Karantzavelou - Wednesday, September 08, 2010