Russian government allocates another 2 billion rubles for tourist cashback program

The government will allocate two billion rubles for the tourist cashback program's resumption, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said today.

"This is an unprecedented measure. Subject to the minimum requirements, people were directly reimbursed up to 20% of the tour cost, including hotel accommodation and other travel services. More than a billion rubles were allocated for these purposes last year.

Today we will allocate 2 billion rubles for the continuation of the program. We will begin its new phase in March this year so that now when the holiday season is approaching, people can book trips in advance at an affordable price. This will reduce the cost of about 300 thousand services for tourists, will allow developing the tourism business in the regions more actively," the Prime Minister said at a government meeting.

The main conditions of the tourist cashback program are as follows. Up to 20% of the paid amount's cost is refunded, but not more than 20 thousand rubles. The purchase must be paid with a Mir card registered in the loyalty program. The money will be returned automatically within five days to the same card.

One can buy complex tours, cruises or book only a hotel under the terms of the program. The period of stay at the hotel must be at least two nights. It will be possible to buy a tour or book a hotel directly on the tour operator or hotel website or through aggregators.

Several new conditions have been added to the third program.

For example, now cashback will be valid in case of buying a "single" ticket.

Besides, the cashback program will be extended to sanatoriums, not just hotels.

According to the Federal Tourism Agency, within the framework of the two stages of the cashback program, tourists spent 6.5 billion rubles on travel in Russia and received 1.2 billion rubles back from the state; 300 thousand people participated in the campaign.