Experts identified the tourist preferences of Russians for 2016

UFA, 18 January 2016. /Bashinform News Agency, Olesya Seregina/. Experts of momondo metasearch revealed the main trends in travel preferences of Russians. To do this, they analyzed about 90 million requests for air travel from Russia made in the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2015. This was reported by the momondo representatives to Bashinform News Agency.

The demand for domestic travel shows the fastest growth. In 2015, popularity of Russian destinations increased by almost half, international flights – only by 5%. In the past year, interest of Russian tourists to Sochi and Simferopol increased compared to 2014. According to preliminary data on requests for flights from Russia in 2016, these cities entered the top ten of popular areas.

The flow of tourists from Russia to the cities of Europe reduces. In 2015, the demand for flights to Paris and Barcelona fell by one third, to Vienna, Rome and Berlin by quarter. At the same time, Russian tourists are not quite ready to give up the rest in Europe and choose more budget-friendly Budapest and Warsaw.

The popularity of neighboring countries is growing. Especially popular are Georgia, Moldova, Armenia and Azerbaijan. In 2015 the demand for travel to these countries increased. According to momondo forecasts, this trend will only intensify this year.

Experts point out that in 2016 Bulgaria, Israel, Montenegro, Cyprus, Greece, as well as the Russian Anapa and Gelendzhik will be especially popular.

Among the exotic Asian destinations Thailand popularity with Russians fades into the background. In 2015, the demand for flights in the country decreased. Flights to Sri Lanka and Vietnam became more popular.

Experts advise practical travelers to buy tickets within Russia on average 55 days before the departure date. Thus it is possible to save up to 12% of the funds. The minimum price for overseas flights from Russian airports recorded on average 45 days before the departure, which can reduce costs by about 19%, the representative of the travel metasearch momondo in Russia Irina Riabovol informs.