WTM’s Vision Conference Predicts Tourism Growth for Russia

Russia is set to see a 20 percent increase in visitor arrivals over the next four years fuelled by the hosting of major sporting events, according to research unveiled at WTM Vision Conference -- Moscow.

Russia is hosting an array of sporting events over the next six years climaxing with the FIFA World Cup in 2018. The sporting schedule starts next year with Moscow’s hosting of the World Athletic Championships and the Rugby Sevens World Cup.

Also in 2013 is the Universiade (University games) in Kazan, while 2014 sees Sochi hosting the Winter Olympics. These events will bring an increased focus to the Russian inbound tourism industry which will help visitors peak at more than 28.3 million -- up 20 percent on 2012’s inbound tourists figure of 23.7 million, delegates at WTM Vision Conference -- Moscow at the Moscow Marriot Grand were told.

The Euromonitor International report reveals this increase will be mainly fuelled by European destinations with Finnish visitors increasing by 16 percent to nearly 1.3 million visitors in 2016. Polish visitors will increase by 25 percent to 857,000 in 2016, visitors from the U.K. will increase by 17 percent to 250,000, and Turkish visitors will increase by 19 percent to 243,000. Visitors from the U.S. will also increase by 15 percent to 301,000 in 2016.

Currently, Russia’s largest inbound markets are the former Soviet republics of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan mainly due to the close connections and similar linguistic and historical links, enabling tourists to meet easily with friends and family. Inbound visitors are also expected to increase from China due to the simplification in visa regulations between Russia and China.

However, the report -- The Travel Industry Global Overview -- states that visa barriers are currently a major restriction for inbound tourism to Russia. Visitors from most countries require a visa to enter which must be obtained in advance. There are on-going talks with the EU regarding changes to the visa process.

Another restriction highlighted was hotel prices in the main tourist destinations; these are extremely expensive and should be reduced in order to attract more tourists. Furthermore, Russia outbound tourism spends is expected to raise an average 8 percent a year until 2016. The Euromonitor International report is given to all attendees of the WTM Vision Conference -- Moscow.

The full program of WTM Vision conferences is April 19, London; May 1, Dubai; May 10, Shanghai; and May 18, Florence. The WTM Vision Conference series is aimed at the industry senior leaders, giving them the latest research, analysis, comment and opinion to help them shape and run their businesses.