''If the authorities 'green-light', tour operators will send tourists to Sinai already in a week's time''
Realnoe Vremya experts tell about how the tourism market in Russia will develop after the opening of Egypt
The Russian tourism market is being at standstill in anticipation of a resumption of flights to Egypt. It is being discussed only the option with flights from Moscow to Cairo so far, but this already suggests a possible opening for Russian citizens of the Red Sea resorts. Realnoe Vremya experts draw a parallel between the story with Egypt and the situation with Turkey, do not expect a fleet increase of Russian companies and predict a redistribution of tourist flow only in the case if the Egyptian hoteliers reduce the cost of accomodation.
On the road to opening
After more than two years after the crash of Kogalymavia [Metrojet] over Sinai between Egypt and Russia there has appeared a very clear prospect of air communication resumption and, as a consequence, of tourism partnership. Literally a cry from the depth has marked this news — on the eve of Putin's visit, the famous Egyptian publication Al-Youm al-Sabia came out with the headline in Russian, ''Mr. President of Russia, welcome to Egypt!'', ''Mr. President, when Russian tourism will return to Egypt?'' The article published under these headlines was devoted to the meeting between the two leaders.
The eighth meeting of Putin and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has partially given an answer to this question. Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is ready to open direct flights to Egypt, and now the matter depends on the preparation of an agreement algorithm for flight resumption.
''After the terrible tragedy in the skies over Sinai, the direct air communication between our countries was interrupted. During this time, the Egyptian side has done a lot of work to improve the level of security at airports. The security service of Russia reported to me that in general we are ready for the opening of direct flights between Moscow and Cairo,'' he stated.
Russian tourists decided not to reconcile themselves to the closure of Egypt
According to the statistics presented to Realnoe Vremya by the services for looking and buying tickets and tours, far not everyone decided to put up with the closure of Egypt for Russian tourists. According to OneTwoTrip, over 11 months of 2017, the sale of tickets from Russian cities to this direction compared to the same period last year increased by 30%. This is despite the fact that all the flights are carried out with transfers. The first popular resort town is Sharm El Sheikh, which occupies 40% of the total volume of tickets. The second place with 34% is taken by Hurghada, and the third with 26% — Cairo. 92% of all independent tourists fly to Egypt via Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
According to Aviasales, the number of searches from Russia to Egypt in 2017 increased by 57%. In the service they clarify that even rising prices do not bother tourists: the average price rose by a quarter in a year, in the result of which the cheapest tickets via Moscow to Hurghada and back cost 16,224 rubles. To get to Egypt, travelers mainly choose transfers in Istanbul, Vienna and Rome.
''The increase is connected with the fact that Russians have already accepted the ban on direct flights to Egypt and look for options on how to reach there independently more often. Alternatives to Egypt by price and range of services, frankly speaking, are not enough. A couple of travelers can easily rest here for 50,000 rubles all inclusive (with flights). To find in January something similar in Israel or the UAE is simply impossible,'' they commented in Aviasales.
Is Kazan interested?
In turn, Kazan citizens, at least, in the New Year holidays, do not have special interest in the resorts of Egypt. The international travel metasearch momondo.ru recorded in this period a fall in demand by 69%. This is largely due to the fact that the new year period, the average price of tickets from Kazan with a transfer and the final destination in Egypt has increased compared to the previous year by 12,4% and amounted to 60,500 rubles.
Realnoe Vremya asked experts in tourism industry to comment on the prospect of opening the Egyptian destination in the Russian market.