The number of the tourists who wished to travel abroad increased by 15-20% during the first 6 months of the year in comparison with the same period of last year. Such data was announced by Aleksandr Radkov, the Head of Rostourism during the press conference. According to Mr Radkov, inbound and domestic tourist flows increased by 8% and 10% accordingly.

The Head of Rostourism underlined that very often the growth of the outbound tourist flow had been provided by the dumping wars of the participants of the market. “Dumping is a serious illness of our travel industry. Working below cost, such tour operators come to grief sooner or later. Dumping destabilizes the market and trains the tourists to hunt for the last-minute tours. As a result, there is no any profoundness of the sales, which increases the risk factor in tourism,” noted Aleksandr Radkov. He underlined that in such aspect it was important to continue moving to the establishment of self-regulated organizations in tourism: for travel agents and for tour operators as well. “Self-regulated organizations will create the mechanisms of the protection and will introduce the concrete standards of the quality,” assured Aleksandr Radkov.

Talking about the forthcoming winter season, Mr Radkov predicts the popularity of long-haul destinations: Thailand, Cuba and Dominican Republic. As for Egypt (the popular winter destination), the prospect is unclear. “The prospects of Egypt in the market will depend on the political situation in this country. For the moment we can see that the tourist flow has decreased,” said Aleksandr Radkov, having reminded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Rostourism didn’t recommend visiting the major cities of Egypt. According to Mr Radkov, Egypt has been gradually replaced by the Emirates.

The Head of Rostourism reminded that Russia would start presenting its travel destinations this year. A new advertising campaign will be launched in December.