Vacationing on the Azov Sea: A Shift from Turkey and Egypt
Holiday bookings at the Sea of Azov exhibiting an upsurge in interest among tourists.
There's a new trend among Russian vacationers: swapping sandy beaches in Turkey and Egypt for the shores of the Azov Sea. This change, as reported by NTR 24, has led to a stellar 30-40% increase in hotel bookings in Yeisk, Dolzhanskaya, Kerch, and Taman.
So, what's drawing these sunseekers closer to home? As it turns out, multiple factors are at play.
- ConvenienceThe Azov Sea's prime location within Russian borders eliminates the hassle of international travel documents and reduces travel time and expenses.
- Cost-EffectivenessWithin Russia, transportation costs are typically lower, and there's no need to exchange currency. This cost-saving aspect can be particularly appealing during times of economic uncertainty or sanctions.
- Safety ConcernsOngoing geopolitical tensions and conflict in Ukraine, which borders part of the Russian territory along the Azov Sea, might make domestic destinations seem safer to some tourists. Similarly, concerns about safety in Turkey or Egypt, which have experienced political instability and security issues in the past, could be factors in this decision.
- Promotional EffortsRecent reports suggest an uptick in promotional activities and hotel bookings in domestic areas like Crimea and the Krasnodar Region (which includes the Azov coast) [1]. These initiatives might be attracting more tourists through early booking discounts and improved services.
- National Pride and Support for Domestic TourismThere's often a push to support domestic tourism in Russia, driven by national pride or government initiatives. This push may encourage Russians to choose domestic destinations over international ones.
- Travel RestrictionsAny travel restrictions placed on Russian citizens abroad might steer them towards domestic vacation spots.
These factors, in combination, might represent the appeal of vacationing on the Azov Sea for Russian tourists. So pack your bags, vacationers, and get ready for a cost-effective and convenient getaway!
[1] Source: Russia Beyond, "Russia's Top 5 Unexplored Destinations for 2021," [Link]
- Some tourists are opting to visit the shores of Sochi and Yeisk instead of Turkey and Egypt, as reported by NTR 24, due to the greater convenience that domestic travel offers, such as reduced travel time, expenses, and the elimination of international travel documents.
- Cost-effectiveness is another factor that draws tourists to domestic destinations like the Azov Sea, as within Russia, transportation costs are typically lower and there's no need to exchange currency, making it appealing during times of economic uncertainty or sanctions.
- Safety concerns might also influence tourists' decisions to vacation on the Azov Sea, as geopolitical tensions and conflicts in nearby Ukraine or potential safety issues in Turkey and Egypt could make domestic destinations seem safer.
- Promotional efforts and hotel bookings in domestic areas like Crimea and the Krasnodar Region (which includes the Azov coast) are reportedly attracting more tourists through early booking discounts and improved services, potentially contributing to the trend of vacationing on the Azov Sea.
