Travel services (Russian market)

2024

The number of travel agencies in Russia for the year increased by 2.5% to 45.2 thousand companies

As of the beginning of September 2024, the number of registered travel companies in Russia reached 45.2 thousand, which is 2.5% more than in the same period in 2023. This growth reflects the gradual recovery and development of the country's tourism industry after a period of instability.

According to Kommersant, citing data from the research company Kontur. Focus, the increase in the number of travel agencies is taking place against the background of a general rise in the travel industry. In the first seven months of 2024, according to Rosstat statistics, 48.7 million people stayed in Russian hotels, which is 11.7% more than in the same period in 2023.

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Freepik

Positive dynamics is also observed in the field of international tourism. In the first half of 2024, the number of trips of Russians abroad increased by 8.7% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 12.7 million, according to the FSB border service.

Executive Director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia Maya Lomidze notes the growing popularity of travel companies among travelers. According to her, 40% of tourists traveling in Russia and 60% traveling abroad use the services of travel agencies. Over the past five years, these figures have grown by 25 and 10 percentage points, respectively.

The regional dynamics of tourism business development is heterogeneous. The largest increase in the number of travel agencies was recorded in Bashkiria - by 8.7% to 1.3 thousand companies. In Tatarstan, the growth was 4.2%, reaching 1.4 thousand organizations. In Moscow, the number of registered travel companies increased by 1.8%, reaching 7.7 thousand.

However, in some regions there is a decrease in the number of travel agencies. In Crimea, the number of travel companies for the year decreased by 6.3% to 654, which may be due to a decrease in tourist flow to the peninsula in the last two years. In the Rostov region, a decrease of 6.2% to 701 companies was also noted, which may be due to the restriction of transport accessibility of the region.^[1]

8.2% increase in the number of tour operators to 2,460 companies

By February 2024, there were 2,460 tour operators in Russia, which is 8.2% more compared to the same period in 2023. This is evidenced by the data of "Contour. Focus," published in March 2024.

As Kommersant writes with reference to a study of the service, in February 2024, 24,600 travel agencies were registered in the Russian Federation, which is 3.1% less than a year ago. Experts explain the trend in the market by the development of domestic tourism: tour operators are mainly involved in the development and launch of new routes. Also, market participants point to its whitewashing, which may affect the statistical growth of tour operators, according to the publication of the publication.

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Unsplash

The largest number of tour operators and travel agencies in February 2024 compared to February 2023 increased in Dagestan (30.3%), Ingushetia (25.6%), Kabardino-Balkaria (14.1%), Yakutia (13.5%) and Chechnya (10.8%). At the same time, the head of the legal committee of the Russian Union of Travel Industry Georgy Mokhov notes that many regional players continue to work as individual entrepreneurs and self-employed, not seeing the motivation to register a company. According to the expert, by March 2024 there are no prerequisites for an increase in the number of outbound tourism operators due to the high entrance threshold: the cost of insurance for their activities is about 2 million rubles a year. For domestic market players, this amount is about 20 thousand rubles, Mokhov said.

According to Kontur. Focus, the number of legal entities registered for hotel services in February 2024 increased by 3.25% on an annualized basis. Especially noticeable growth - from 17% to 43% - is observed in Ingushetia, Adygea, North Ossetia; in Altai - by 16.4%, in Karelia - by 15.4^[2]

2023

Sightseeing services market growth by 24.6% to RUB 1,573 per capita

At the end of October 2024, it became known that the Russian excursion services market is showing high growth rates, which is confirmed by data on an increase in consumption per capita. Between 2021 and 2023 Russia , there is a noticeable increase in spending on excursion services, which is associated with the stimulation of domestic tourism and an increase in interest in the country's cultural and historical heritage. According to recent studies, the maximum consumption per capita was recorded in 2023 - it amounted to ₽1 573. This indicator indicates a significant demand for excursions among Russian citizens.

According to the Agency for Market Research and Business Plans "GuideMarket," in 2020 there was a minimum value for the volume of consumption of excursion services - ₽534 per person. This was due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions on movement caused by it. Nevertheless, starting in 2021, the excursion services market began to actively recover. Thus, in 2021, the volume of consumption reached ₽866 per person, which is 62.1% more compared to 2020. In 2022, growth continued, and the figure was ₽1 263, which indicates the restoration and development of interest in domestic tourist routes.

According to analysts, the main trends in the excursion services market include an increase in interest in domestic tourism and outdoor activities. By 2023, Russian citizens increasingly prefer excursions aimed at studying the country's cultural and natural heritage. This is due to both the development of tourism infrastructure and the desire to get to know your country better. Special attention of tourists is attracted by thematic excursions, which allow you to dive deeper into history, art or natural attractions.^[3]

Growth in sales of tourist packages by 16.4% to 8.1 million tourists

In 2023, tour operators sent about 8.1 million tourists abroad, which is 16.4% more than a year earlier. Such data on outbound organized tourism at the end of January 2024 were cited by the vice-president of ATOR, general director of the tour operator Space Travel Arthur Muradyan.

According to him, the leaders in the flow of tourists were, Turkey,, UAE Thailand Abkhazia,. Egypt At the same time, the most noticeable growth was noted in - Asia these are,,,, and Thailand. China Sri Lanka India Indonesia Muradyan Vietnam pointed out that the total number of trips abroad with all goals last year amounted to almost 26 million. This is 13% more than in 2022.

ATOR Vice President noted that despite the statements about the constant expansion of foreign routes and the growth of tourist flow abroad, outbound tourism still has serious problems, and the achievement of 2019 results remains far over the horizon.

We certainly had an expansion of flight programs. But the results of 2019 are still difficult to surpass. That is, despite the popular opinion that the geography of flights is expanding, outbound tourism continues to experience difficulties associated with the supply and assortment for Russian travelers, "said Artur Muradyan.

He also cited data according to which in 2023 the number of countries with direct flights with Russia increased from 32 to 40, and of which 28 countries were to varying degrees interesting for tourism.

In 2023, tour operators provided about 50% of domestic travel in the country. According to ATOR forecasts, in 2024 the number of organized trips to Russia for the purpose of recreation will increase by 10-15% and amount to 44-46 million. According to ATOR estimates, at the end of 2023, the following were included in the TOP-5 of directions for sales dynamics among tour operators:

• Moscow (+ 25% by 2022)
• Saint Petersburg (+ 25%)
• Dagestan (+ 22%)
• Caucasian Mineral Waters (+ 20%)
• Krasnodar Territory (+ 5-7%^[4]

2022: Revenues of travel agencies in Russia soared by 18.3% compared to pre-pandemic 2019 - up to 27.6 billion rubles

Revenues of travel agencies in Russia in 2022 reached 27.6 billion rubles, which is 18.3% more compared to 2019 - before the start of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, due to which tourism in the Russian Federation and around the world has sharply decreased. Such data are given in a study by the analytical company GuideMarket, which was published in November 2023.

According to the Russian Union of Travel Industry, in 2022, tour operators sold 30% more active and adventure tours than a year earlier. The growth occurred in all areas of domestic tourism, experts say.

According to the estimates of the Association of Tour Operators (ATOR), the average check for a package vacation in Russia amounted to 75 thousand rubles per 1 person in 2022 (flight packages were also taken into account), which is 15% more than in 2021. Prices for accommodation in hotels in southern resort regions on average in the market increased within inflation, although the increase in value in the high price segment for a number of objects could be at the level of 30% or more.

ATOR notes that against the background of the departure of global booking platforms in 2022, tour operators have expanded and will continue to expand the range at the expense of guest houses, mini-hotels and apartments in cities. In March, tour operators literally saw queues from connection applications from small objects that were previously sold through Booking.com and Airbnb.

The director of the Turpomosch association, Alexander Osaulenko, in a conversation with TASS, said that the lost revenues of the Russian tourism industry in 2022 amount to hundreds of millions of rubles due to the closure of a number of foreign destinations, difficulties with logistics and the almost complete absence of inbound tourism to the Russian Federation. However, many regions of Russia, including those that were not previously perceived as tourist destinations, showed a multiple increase in tourist flow this year. For example, the Caucasus, the Far East, the north of the country, he added.^[5]

2020

Losses of the Russian tourism industry amounted to 2.1 trillion rubles

Rosturizm estimated the losses of the Russian tourism industry in 2020 at 2.1 trillion rubles. The turnover decreased by 60% compared to 2019 due to the practical complete absence of external and domestic tourism amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the press service of the department reports.

Rosturizm noted that in terms of the rate of recovery of domestic tourism turnover, Russia entered the top three among the G20 countries, after Italy and France. In the field of domestic tourism, at the end of 2020, the turnover was restored to 60% of last year's indicators. In most countries, as the Russian Information Agency in the department pointed out to TASS, we are talking about a fall of 80% or more.

The fall could be greater taking into account the scale of the crisis and the almost complete absence of inbound and outbound tourism, but due to domestic tourism and measures to stimulate demand, it was possible to seriously support the overall turnover of the industry, the Federal Tourism Agency emphasized.

Rosturizm estimated the losses of the industry at the end of 2020 at 2.1 trillion rubles

It is noted that resort cities and natural territories lost in 2020 lost only 10-15% of the turnover of 2019. Most of all, the hospitality industry suffered in large cities, where the tourist business depends on business events, business trips, forums, exhibitions, etc., added to Rosturizm.

On December 17, 2020, during a large press conference, the president Russia Vladimir Putin pointed out the importance of developing domestic tourism, noting that the authorities are trying to do this in various ways. The Russian leader noted that a structure will be created that will deal exclusively with domestic tourism. In addition, the president recalled the tourist cashback program and added that it is necessary to talk as often as possible about the tourist opportunities that Russia provides. The authorities promised to support the sector with the help of a new national project for the development of tourism, the total budget of which was initially estimated at 629 billion rubles.^[6]

RuSat Infrastructure solutions are preparing IT systems in the field of tourism in 15 cities of Russia

On October 9, 2020, it became known about Rosatom's entry into the tourism market. Included in the state corporation JSC RuSat Infrastructure Solutions (RIR; specializes in the development of IoT technologies in cities) intends to launch its own IT systems in the field of tourism in 15 cities.

Main article: Rosatom IT Tourism System

The development of tourism can cost Russia more than 600 billion. The government has developed a plan for the national project

Rosturizm developed the national project "Tourism and Hospitality Industry," the document was sent for approval to the government. Vedomosti writes about this on October 8.

According to the publication, the national project includes three federal projects: "Creating a high-quality and diverse tourist product throughout the country," "Increasing the availability of a tourist product" and "Improving management in the field of tourism." Their implementation can cost 620 billion rubles until 2030, and the lion's part of the funds will go to the project to create "tour products" - 524.8 billion.

In 10 years, the Federal Tourism Agency plans to double the number of Russians vacationing in sanatoriums and dispensaries (from 6.7 million people to 11.5 million). The department also expects that the number of cities with central areas attractive to tourists will increase six times (now there are only seven of them, officials say).

Officially, these plans have not yet been commented on - the press service of Rostourism and the government refused to respond to Vedomosti's request. Sources of the publication clarified that the national project has yet to be approved in 15 departments.

From 2021, Russia may launch the implementation of the national project for the development of tourism

From 2021, Russia may launch the implementation of the national project for the development of tourism, Izvestia reported in June .

The goal of state support will be an increase in tourist flow in the country and an increase in revenue in the industry. To achieve it, the Government can begin to co-finance the costs of tour operators, reduce the cost of transportation and introduce electronic visas for guests from abroad.

The preparation of the national project in the Cabinet of Ministers is carried out by eight working groups under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. Representatives of business associations, state-owned companies, specialized associations were involved in the development, in addition, consultations with tour operators are underway.

The implementation of the national project should solve the most painful problems of the domestic tourism industry: worn-out tourist infrastructure, change in legislation, improvement in the quality of service, growth in investments.

According to experts, financial support will have a multiplier effect: for every ruble spent by travelers in the agency, hotel and ticket aggregator, there are one and a half rubles.

Previously, 80 billion rubles will be allocated to support the industry. Accordingly, investments can bring an increase in business and population incomes in the amount of 200 billion. At the moment, the total losses of the industry in 2020 may amount to about 150 billion rubles.

2019

Medvedev: a single electronic register of travel agents will appear in Russia

On December 25, 2019, it became known about the plans of the Russian government to launch a unified register of travel agents. It should appear from January 2021, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said at a government meeting. Read more here.

Tourism infrastructure will be subsidized in 22 regions

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced plans for the development of tourism infrastructure, on which about 21 billion rubles will be spent.

According to the Prime Minister at a meeting with his deputies, a document has been signed aimed at the development of domestic and inbound tourism. "I signed a government decree, according to which we will direct subsidies to the creation of supporting infrastructure for tourist clusters in 22 regions, in total, about 21 billion rubles are provided for these purposes in the federal budget for this year and for the next two years," the head of the cabinet said.

According to Medvedev, Russia "there are very good opportunities for the development of tourism, but normal conditions have not been created everywhere." He recalled that to improve the situation, appropriate programs are provided for various national projects, for example, environmental tourism will develop under the Ecology national project.

The Prime Minister stressed that according to the new government decree, "due to state support, new comfortable hotels, campsites, cafes, transport rental should appear in 24 clusters - that is, a normal, full-fledged tourist infrastructure should arise." "Of course, the regional authorities need to repair existing facilities, put in order communications, ensure, if possible, transport accessibility to places that are of interest to tourists, bring them into a normal, civilized form so that our people and foreign citizens have a desire to come and rest," the Prime Minister said.

this needs to be done, attention given to it, prioritising it properly and managing money effectively. In this context, we decided that the Ministry of Economic Development should deal with these issues to a greater extent, "the head of the Cabinet of Ministers said. According to him, "therefore the governing body was transferred there." "It is necessary that the efficiency of work is higher," Medvedev said. He instructed the government apparatus to "prepare proposals for the personnel strengthening of this department^[7]

2017: Year of hospitality may be announced in Russia

2019 may be declared the Year of Russian Hospitality. Such an initiative was made by the public council at. Rostourism Deputy Chairman of the Council Dmitry Davydenko told reporters about this, writes Interfax"."

"In 2019, it will be 300 years since the decree of Peter I on the creation of inns in the country. We will assume that this is 300 years of Russian hospitality. The head of Rostourism Oleg Safonov and I have already discussed the issue that it would be good to contact the government with a request to officially declare 2019 the Year of Russian Hospitality, "Davydenko said

Then the first national tourist rating will be published, he added. It will represent the results of the assessment of Russian hotels according to several criteria. These are safety, staff friendliness, ecology, accessibility (barrier-free) and protection of tourists' rights.

2013

In value terms, the market for transport and tourism services at the end of 2013 is estimated at $45 billion, which is 12% higher than in 2012, according to DISCOVERY Research Group. At the same time, more than 60% of the market volume falls on passenger transportation, where the undisputed leader is air transport, a quarter - on accommodation facilities and about 10% - on other paid tourist services.

It is also noteworthy that the development of the tourist market in Russia takes place in all its segments: outbound tourism, inbound tourism and domestic tourism. In particular, the most profitable segment is outbound tourism: according to the results of 2013, the number of Russians who went abroad for tourist purposes amounted to 18.3 million people, which is 19.3% higher than in 2012. In value terms, the volume of outbound tourism increased by 14% compared to 2012, to $25 billion. Russians choose Turkey, Egypt and Greece as the most popular vacation destinations. Note that the revolution in Egypt played a significant role in the distribution of preferences in 2013, as a result of which Turkey and Greece managed to significantly increase their market share.

The second position is to place the segment of domestic tourism, the volume of which increased by 9% by the end of 2013, to $18 billion. At the same time, the number of domestic tourists is estimated at 35-37 million people, most of whom prefer beach tourism, including on the Black Sea, Azov, Baltic coasts and beaches of the Sea of ​ ​ Japan. Cultural and educational tourism is very popular, where the unconditional leaders are the Central and Northwestern federal districts. Along with this, active types of tourism are gaining popularity in Russia, including ski, water, extreme, cycling and others.

The smallest share falls on inbound tourism: according to the results of 2013, the market in value terms amounted to only $2 billion (+ 12%), in physical terms - 2.66 million foreign tourists. At the same time, Germany and China are the main suppliers of tourists to Russia. And the main places of rest were Moscow, St. Petersburg and Krasnodar Territory.

Simplification of the visa regime, the emergence of low-cost airlines on the air transportation market, the Olympics in, the Sochi implementation of the federal target program "Development of domestic and inbound tourism in (of the Russian Federation 2011-2018)," as well as a change in the methodology for recording statistics in tourism - these are the main factors that can influence the growth of tourist flow, both outbound and inbound and domestic.

With the growing solvency of Russian citizens and an increase in interest in Russia, foreign tourists are increasingly developing travel companies. Today, according to the unified federal register, there are about 4.5 thousand tour operators in the tourist market of Russia, including Pegas Touristik, Tez Tour, Biblio Globus, Coral Travel and Natalie Tours are the most popular and reliable from the point of view of Russian citizens. In addition, according to the Alliance of Travel Agencies, you can purchase travel services in one of 28 thousand travel agencies located in all regions of Russia. Among them can be distinguished "Store of burning vouchers," "Burning tours," "1001 tours" and Global Travel.

Experts predict that in the future the tourist services market will continue to show growth, despite the deterioration of the economic situation in the country. At the same time, a gradual increase in the share of domestic and inbound tourism is possible.

Notes