Dear Subscriber,
Although Russia has had an excellent year in terms of outbound tourism in 2010, the situation with the tour operators is not as rosy as it may first seem. Taking into account the recent troubles experienced by Capital Tour, the 7th Largest Tour operator in Russia, which was denied further funding by its bank and some analysts believe this is not the only large player with financial problems. On the other hand this does not seem to be scarring off foreign buyers who continue to buy up the more successful and financially sound Russian tour operators, they are entering the market with big ideas and deep pockets.
Best regards,
Helene Lloyd
Director
TMI Consultancy
News Flash
Thomas Cook comes to Russia
Thomas Cook will take a 50.1% stake in Intourist.
Capital Tour Collapse
Capital Tour, the 7th largest tour operator in Russia, has temporarily suspended operations from November 17.
Feature
While the Russian travel market structure is starting to resemble more that of other European countries, the entry of TUI, one of Europe's largest tour operators, shows the level of potential growth which is expected from the market over the next 3-5 years. TMI had the privilege to have a direct interview with the new Managing Director of TUI Russia and CIS, Mr Chris Mottershead.
Hotel News
Aviation News
S7 joins OneWorld Alliance
On November 15, 2010, one of the leading Russian domestic carriers S7 (formerly called Sibir), joined the OneWorld® airline alliance.
Aeroflot launches direct flight to Punta Cana
As of November, 2010, Aeroflot starts direct regular flights from Moscow to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
More flights to Istanbul
Starting from November, several airlines launched direct regular flights to Istanbul, Turkey.
Market News
Beach destinations hit the records
Spain, Israel, Croatia, Cuba, Chinese Tropical Island and Dubai news.
New visa center opened in Kazan
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Hanoi as a new destination for Yekaterinburg
As of November 14, Vladivostok Avia launched its first direct flight from Yekaterinburg to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Russia Has Most Engaged Social Networking Audience Worldwide
Com Score, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, reports that Russians are the heaviest social networkers worldwide in terms of time spent per user.