Association of Tour Operators on press conferences In Moscow, she shared the main results of 2017 and spoke about the prospects for 2018. Thus, outbound tourism grew in 2017 by 20–221% compared to the previous year.
“This year can be called a breakthrough year for the away team tourism. Türkiye demonstrated the largest increase, with more than 4 million Russians visiting the country," noted the executive director of ATOR, Maya Lomidze.
The domestic market is experiencing a slowdown: overall tourist flow (individual and organized tourists) has decreased by 1–31%, while in the organized segment, the decline is over 101%. Meanwhile, demand for children's tourism has declined by over 301% due to stricter requirements for organizers of group trips for children.
Among the trends of the outgoing year: an increase in demand for 4- and 5-star hotels (+50% compared to last year), tourists also began to book additional excursions more often, and All Inclusive remains the most popular type of food.
In the new year, high demand for mass summer destinations will remain, but sales dynamics will be less active.
"If Egypt opens before the start of the season (for example, in May), the outbound market growth will be around 10%. Egypt's arrival will lead to a redistribution of demand. If the destination opens mid- or late in the season (late July or September), its impact on the summer will be insignificant, but it will certainly change the balance of power in the winter season," notes Maya Lomidze.
According to the expert, the domestic market will continue to stagnate. A slight increase is only possible if listing prices remain at last year's levels.
As for the general situation in the tourism market, We should prepare for increased competition and a reduction in the number of industry participants.
"In 2017, many major tour operators reduced their commissions, which presented a serious challenge for agencies. Most managed to cope with this situation last year, but in 2018, a number of travel agencies may be unable to withstand the situation and leave the market. The number of legal entities positioning themselves as tour operators will also decline. A reduction in the number of domestic travel agencies is also possible. However, this will have a beneficial effect on the market," Maya Lomidze says.
She also added that high-profile bankruptcies should not be expected, although such events cannot be completely ruled out.
Source: trn-news.ru
