11/08/2019 16:21

VIP Guests Bring Losses For Russian Travel Industry

According to Russian tour operators that specialize in the European market, George Bush visit to Vienna on June 21st did not affect the tourist activities in the city. Thus, Igor Chumarchenko, responsible for the Austrian Department of Austria of Tourbazar, commented: ‘no excursions for our clients were canceled. Museums work in a normal regime’. Meanwhile, travel companies forecast the opposite situation to be provoked by the coming G8 Summit in St. Petersburg in July. In May the majority of travel market players felt optimistic towards the event pointing out positive impact on the tourism life of the city. However, by the moment the enthusiasm has shaded away. For example, General Director of Nevsky Paradise, Vladimir Eltsov, said: ‘we expect serious changes. For example, it was already announced Pulkovo Airport would be closed for the period of Summit’. Furthermore, many roads will be blocked that will prevent excursion programs. Moreover, hotels are waiting to welcome VIP guests and do not process request for the Summit dates. The coming Summit will also result in additional expenses for travel agencies. Maria Zverintseva from Orpheus Travel Company: ‘losses of travel agents are evident. We have to cancel two popular tours owing the G8 Summit suggesting an extensive excursion program. We will not have time for maneuvers’.