The ski season is coming to an end, and many players are evaluating it positively. Read about the results of the winter in our review.
About demand
According to data PAC Group, the dynamics of sales of ski products this season exceeds last year's figures.
"On the first in terms of sales volume and popularity is Italy, followed by France, Austria and Switzerland. In Italy, the increase is 25%, in Austria and France - 20%, in Switzerland - 10%”, — noted in press service operator.
The company also added that this season there has been a recovery in early bookings; tours began to be booked back in May.
“In addition, the middle class of clients has begun to recover, there are more bookings in the 4* category, and an increase in bookings for premium hotels has been noted,” the press service said.
Jet Travel CEO Maxim Pristavko told TRN that Ski tour sales increased by approximately 30% (based on the number of tourists).
"In terms of turnover, the growth is not that big, i.e. the average cost of a tour has fallen by about 10%. Basically, this decrease is due to the reorientation of tourists from New Year (the most expensive trips) to seasonal (cheaper) ones. The greatest growth in our company was demonstrated by Austria and Switzerland - about 30%, sales in Italy and France increased by about 15-20%. I can also highlight the trend of sales growth for the most popular resorts and a decrease in sales for lesser-known ones," he said.
IN TUI Russia Andorra showed the greatest growth this winter season, demand has almost doubled compared to last year. Demand for ski tours to Bulgaria and Italy is stable and has increased slightly compared to last year.
"The demand for resorts this season in Andorra was distributed as follows: approximately 40% tourists chose the capital - Andorra la Vella, another 40% preferred Grandvalira and 20% Vallnord. Unlike the previous two seasons, this winter tourists in Andorra willingly booked 4* and 5* hotels.
In Italy, Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme, Madonna di Campiglio, Bormio and Livigno are consistently popular. Among accommodation facilities, demand is mostly focused on more budget accommodation 2* - 3* and apartments.
Among the winter resorts of Bulgaria, Bansko and its quality hotels, including Belvedere Holiday Club 4*, St. George Ski & Spa 4*, Maria-Antoaneta Residence 4*, are traditionally the most popular. It is also worth mentioning our exclusive three-star hotel Sema, which is distinguished by its coziness, homely atmosphere and good cuisine,” the operator’s press service added.
Among Russian ski resorts this winter season tour operator Biblio-Globus offers ski tours to the Krasnaya Polyana resort - Gorki-Gorod. This year, the demand for the destination among the operator's clients is very high and has already exceeded last year's figures by 60%, which is due to the optimal price-quality ratio of the holiday at the resort, affordable prices in comparison with European ski destinations.
"Tourists most often choose to stay in apartments, as this offers the best value for money. They also often combine skiing and seaside vacations. Tourists prefer package tours, which ensure a comfortable and safe vacation. The tour includes airfare, transfer, accommodation, and insurance. All additional services - ski passes, rental, and maintenance of ski equipment are usually booked on site. It is safe to say that Russian ski resorts have become popular among Russians. The season certainly lived up to all expectations, and we hope it will still have time to exceed them," celebrate in press service operator.
According to data "Biblio-Globus", sales of ski tours to Bulgaria in the winter season 2017-2018 maintain stable figures from last year with a slight increase of 15-20%.
Ski resorts in the Czech Republic are also becoming increasingly popular among Russian tourists. For a holiday in the Czech Republic, tourists prefer 7-day tours with accommodation in 3-4* hotels and half-board meals. The average bill for a ski tour to the Czech Republic for tourists from Biblio-Globus this winter season is 43,700 rubles. The tour operator's flight program is carried out by Rossiya Airlines from Moscow to Prague 3 times a week, and from St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg to Pardubice Airport 2 times a week on a comfortable Boeing-737.
According to the company, the peak of sales of tours to Andorra occurred during the New Year and Christmas holidays. The average duration of tours was 7-10 days. The tour operator's flight programs to Andorra are carried out from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg twice a week on a comfortable Boeing-737 with arrival at Barcelona airport.
About prices
According to TUI, prices for ski tours remained almost at the same level as last year, with a slight increase in line with inflation.
"One of the main trends of this ski season is good sales at the early booking stage, when tourists get both a large selection of hotels and the best price of the season not only for hotels, but also for ski passes. For example, in Andorra, the discount on ski passes in the Republic of Belarus reached 35%. In Bulgaria, we also recommend booking ski passes, ski equipment, and even ski kindergartens and schools for children in advance. The end of the season is almost sold out, there are only a few places left, so if your tourists are planning to have time to ski, advise them to hurry up with their choice," celebrate in press service operator.
The final races of the season with TUI: Andorra - 17.03, Bulgaria - 12.03, Italy - 10.03.
Source: trn-news.ru
