2011 has shown that the Russian tourist is very resilient when it comes to instability and regime change, few of them were ready to cut short their holidays at the Egyptian Red Sea resort, even though the Russian government and tour operators tried to entice them home. Although sales to both Egypt and Tunisia are now at a low, to be sure, the Russians will be the first to return. After all, a winter holiday in a warm location is essential when the temperatures reach -20C as they have this week!
For a one to one meeting with TMI, I would like to invite to send you requests for ITB Berlin, I will attend from March 9 - 12. Also we will be at MITT from March 16 - 18th. Also for those planning to attend the 1st B2B Travel Workshop in Kazakhstan, aimed at the FIT and luxury sector, we look forward to seeing you in Almaty on April 19th, for further information about participation in this event, please contact TMI directly.
Best regards,
Helene Lloyd
Director
TMI Consultancy
Thomas Cook is Entering Russian Market
Thomas Cook will officially enter the Russian market with its Russian partner Intourist as of February 2011.
Ukraine Outbound Market
The Ukrainian market is the 2nd largest after Russia in the region of the former Soviet Union region.
More Direct Flights to Thailand
In 2011, more Russian airlines will have direct flights to different destinations in Thailand.
Less Flights to Bali from Transaero
While increasing flights to Thailand, Transaero has cut their flight frequency to Denpasar, Bali.
S7 signs code sharing agreement with British Airways
S7, Russia's 3rd largest airline and member of the Oneworld global airline alliance, will implement a code sharing agreement with BA in Russia
New flight from Irkutsk to Munich
Yakutia airline, a Siberia regional airline, announced the launch of direct flights from Irkutsk to Munich, Germany.
Turkey expects at least 3.5 million Russians to visit in 2011
According to the Turkish Tourism office, 3.2 million Russians visited Turkey in 2010.
Record visits from Russia to Finland
According to the Finland Tourism Board, over 120,000 Russians visited Finland during the New Year Holidays.
USA expects more Russians
Visit USA expects 20,000 more Russians to have visited the US in 2010 compared to 2009.
Record growth for Yekaterinburg outbound travel
In 2010, the no. of tourists from Yekaterinburg region increased by almost 150%.
Pac Group to set its own retail chain
Pac Group will set up its own retail chain of travel agencies in 2011.
Coral Travel will have its own air planes
Coral Travel, one of the leading Russian tour operators selling Turkey and Egypt, plans to set up its own air fleet in 2011.