New tourist destinations
Each new holiday season makes the pressing question: which place to choose for a long-awaited vacation. In 2017, due to the aggravated political situation in the world, the vast majority of Russians prefer to abstain from previously popular holiday destinations such as Turkey, Egypt and the UAE. This encourages them and tour operators, who are required to meet the needs of potential clients, to plan their holidays according to the new standards. In 2017, leading travel companies are offering travelers an optimal replacement for previously existing tours. In this article we will talk about current tourist destinations in 2017.
Bulgaria
This country is in no way inferior to Turkey in terms of the amount of sunshine. In addition, more attractive prices for goods and a homely atmosphere of relaxation are attractive.
These are not all the advantages. The country is loved by tourists due to the absence of a language barrier, a wide variety of entertainment for any age category, and the prices for souvenirs and other paraphernalia will be affordable for everyone.
In addition, from almost every international airport in Russia there are regular flights to Bulgaria, and obtaining a Bulgarian tourist visa will not be difficult at all.
Montenegro
Montenegro represents an economical yet luxurious beach holiday on the Adriatic. These places are characterized by Orthodox monasteries, many historical monuments of the medieval era, an abundance of lakes and national parks. It is impossible not to mention the charming capital Podgorica and the resort Budva.
Having a miniature size, the country is in great demand among lovers of inexpensive holidays in silence, alone with nature, and its similarity with the Crimean Peninsula makes Montenegro more dear to the heart and truly cozy. A trip to this country is ideal for people looking to relax in a calm environment, as well as for families with small children.
Romania
You can name at least four reasons why you should visit this European country.
Romania has something to suit every traveler's taste. First of all, every tourist should take a ride along the Transfagarasan Highway, which runs through the Carpathians. Next, you have to reveal all the secrets that are hidden in the castle of Count Dracula, and appreciate its splendor. Then you can visit the reserve near the town of Buzau, where tourists will see dwarf mud volcanoes with their own eyes. And finally, you can’t miss the underground Romanian sanatorium “Salina Turda”, located in a salt mine. There are many real labyrinths in it. After the excursion, it is recommended to visit the spa or take a ride on a small boat on the waters of the underground lake.
Abkhazia
In recent years, the number of Russian tourists visiting Abkhazia has increased significantly. The country is distinguished by an abundance of unique places with natural wildlife, and its sea is perfectly clean, and the well-groomed coastal area is divided into spacious pebble beaches.
Holidays in this country are more than diverse due to its distant history, full of many significant events. In addition to entertainment on the water, Abkhazia will be appreciated by lovers of archeology and history, for whom fascinating excursions to remarkable places of the Caucasus are organized. It is impossible to talk about the country without tasting its exquisite cuisine with its characteristic spiciness of dishes, as well as wine products.
Holidays in Abkhazia will only benefit you thanks to the sanatorium and resort complexes of this republic. It is especially worth visiting the balneological resort areas, distinguished by the healing properties of mineral waters and the presence of mud baths.
Georgia
The popularity of Georgia among Russian tourists is growing rapidly, as the country really has something to show. Only here you can see with your own eyes the ancient monasteries of Mtskheta, the cave city of Uplistsikhe, sulfur baths and many other amazing historical monuments.
One of the country's largest cities is Tbilisi, which is distinguished by its miniature streets, sulfur baths, luxurious cathedrals and theaters. It is also recommended to visit ancient Kutaisi, which served as the capital of the Colchis kingdom. Batumi combines ancient architecture with a seaside resort, furnished in the best modern traditions.
Georgia has over two thousand sources of healing mineral and thermal waters, mud baths and magnetite sands, which eradicate many ailments.
Additional advantages include the fact that a trip lasting up to three months does not require a visa, and regular flights from Russia will allow you to start your vacation faster.
Cyprus
In the coming season of summer resorts it will rightfully take first place in the ranking of the most popular destinations among Russian residents. This is expressed by the fact that the flight there is quite fast, prices for various types of services are acceptable. You can quickly apply for an electronic visa and enjoy a truly amazing, and most importantly varied and eventful vacation.
Cyprus provides plenty of entertainment to suit every taste. The Nissi Beach resort is specially created for active and mobile youth. For the perfect family holiday, head to Protaras to Fig Tree Bay. The Sunrise Resort includes all kinds of services and aims to please any client, and at affordable prices.
As for those who like complete solitude in silence in nature, they will love the simply fantastic landscapes of Cape Greco. It is worth noting that flights to Cyprus are regularly carried out from almost every regional airport in Russia.
China
When it comes to China, everything in this country is amazing in its size. Everyone is well aware of the Great Wall of China and the terracotta army, numbering 8 thousand warriors. Among the major regions of the country are: Hong Kong, Tibet, Macau and Taiwan. Here you can see huge cities, concrete glazed skyscrapers, try both beach and ski resorts in China, or improve your health in the best health centers.
And despite the modern appearance of the country, it still honors ancient traditions, which makes it so special and attracts interested tourists. It is impossible not to try at least a few of the hundreds of traditional dishes of Chinese cuisine, whose culture amazes with fascinating tea ceremonies.
Russian tourists who choose one of the presented destinations will only enjoy a properly planned vacation.
Even if you have never been keen on traveling, try to go somewhere and feel that spirit of adventure. There are a number of areas that will help you broaden your horizons, enrich your mind and spirit.
This selection features some of the most breathtaking and enchanting places the world has to offer. This is a list of 20 places to visit in 2017. Any of these destinations could change your life forever...
Marrakesh
Since time immemorial, this place has fascinated everyone who decided to visit Morocco. If by 2017 you had not yet been here, be sure to correct this shortcoming and get acquainted with the stunning beauties of Marrakech.
Saint Petersburg
The Northern Capital of Russia is truly interesting for the traveler and can offer a number of unique attractions. Why not see it all with your own eyes in 2017?
Playa del Carmen
If you want to visit one of the best beaches in the world, head to Mexico and sunbathe in Playa del Carmen. Even such a beautiful photograph will not convey the beauty of this place.
Prague
The old town reveals itself to visitors like the layers of an onion, offering something new and surprising over and over again. You will undoubtedly find Prague absolutely charming.
Istanbul
This is exactly one of the places that you should discover at least once in your life. Istanbul is more than just a city that you can read about in a book, not to mention a blog. You can explore its attractions endlessly, so why not do it in 2017?
Rio de Janeiro
The city has already calmed down after the noisy Summer Olympics, so 2017 is the time to visit this Brazilian pearl and explore Rio de Janeiro.
The comfortable beach is an ideal place for a vacation. Warm, clean water, soft sand, gentle sun, bronze tan and several weeks of carefree holidays await Russian tourists. Which countries in the world are the best beach destinations for summer 2018? The Top 10 includes states from all corners of the globe.
Türkiye: a land of contrasts
One of the favorite foreign destinations for Russian tourists. Beach holidays in Turkey , washed by four seas, the country is ideal. The swimming season in the regions of Marmara and the northern Aegean lasts from June to September. In the Mediterranean and southern Aegean Seas, the most comfortable time is from April to October. The Black Sea coast is characterized by warm summers and rainy winters, and the best time for vacation is from May to September.
Turkish beaches are varied. There are sandy, pebbly and small-pebble ones, with rocky shores, large concrete slabs, and poured sand. Natural sandy ones are located in the resorts of Alanya, Belek and Side, the Izmir region, the villages of Lara and Kudnu. Young people are especially attracted to Kemer and Marmaris. Lovers of relaxing leisure and families with small children go to Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Didim. But in general, quiet family holidays are possible in almost any resort in Turkey.
Russia: holidays at home
You don’t have to go abroad for a good holiday. IN Russia there are regions with the sea, beaches and entertainment for every taste. Most often, vacationers go to Gelendzhik, Sochi or Crimea. The holiday season in Gelendzhik lasts from late April to October (the peak is in June and July). Sochi and Crimea are actively flooded with tourists in the summer months; many vacationers flock there for the “velvet season” in September.
Most of the Gelendzhik and Sochi beach areas are covered with pebbles. On the Crimean peninsula you can find both pebble and rocky beaches, as well as many sandy ones. Gelendzhik, Sochi and Crimea are popular destinations for couples, parents with children and retirees. They are less often chosen by noisy youth groups.
Greece: it has everything
Vacationers come to the Greek Republic en masse from May to October. Depending on the area, the beach season can start as early as April. Guests are greeted first and seen off last by the southern islands of the country (Karpathos, Corfu, Crete, Patmos, Rhodes and others). In July and August, it is not recommended for those who cannot tolerate the heat to travel to Greece.
All beaches of the European state are municipal - that is, free. The vast majority of them are sandy. The best resorts for traveling with children are Corfu, Kos and Peloponnese. Lovers of a relaxing holiday should choose Lassithi, Psalidi or Halkidiki. Young people go to Crete, Mykonos and Rhodes. Going to holiday to Greece , do not forget to take care of your visa in advance.
Cyprus: islands of luck
People from all over the world come to the island Mediterranean republic on vacation. There are hot summers (the air warms up to +35 °C) and rainy, mild winters. The beach and swimming season covers the period from May to October. The best month for tour to Cyprus - June. Some tourists go on vacation in September, when there are significantly fewer visiting vacationers.
All Cypriot beaches (even those located near hotels) are state-owned. They can only take money for renting equipment. Beach areas are varied - sandy and pebble, crowded and wild. Most resorts are universal. They are suitable for family, romantic or active leisure.
Spain: holiday like a king
In the east and south the kingdom is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, in the west and north by the Atlantic Ocean. Spanish territory includes the Balearic and Canary Islands. Warm weather persists throughout almost the entire country from April to early November. Ideal months to visit are May, June and September. You can also come to the southern beaches in April and October. But in July and August in Spain the air temperature often rises to +45 ºС.
Spanish beaches are divided into white sandy, rocky and rocky. There are even unique black sand beaches (for example, in the village of Vik). All beach areas are owned by the state and are a public property. The main resorts for families with children are Blanes, Oliva, Pineda de Mar and Santa Susanna. Young people flock to Benicassim, Lloret de Mar, Sitges and the famous Benidorm.
Tunisia: for families with children
Best time for holidays in the Tunisian Republic- from June to September. During these months the weather is most favorable. The beaches of the African state are mostly sandy. There is a stone entrance to the water in only a few areas. And rocky shores can only be found in the north of the country.
Resorts in Tunisia are focused primarily on relaxing family leisure. It is recommended to visit Jebra Island, Mahdia, Monastir and Nabeul with children. Young people will be attracted by the active nightlife of Sousse.
Morocco: exotic Africa
African kingdom attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. The beach season here lasts from late May to early October. It is better to plan a trip with children in July, August or September, when the Atlantic Ocean is warm enough.
Most Moroccan beaches are sandy. Mostly they are municipal, but at the same time they are absolutely safe. For relaxation, you can choose Agadir, Al Hoceima, Legzira, Marina Smir, Martil, Oualidia or El Jadida. Almost all resorts are aimed at a wide range of visitors.
Bulgaria is a good country
As a beach destination, it is attracting more and more tourists. The holiday season begins in May, the full swimming season begins in June. Tours are in highest demand in July and August, when the weather in the European republic becomes simply fabulous.
The country has a huge number of well-maintained golden sandy beaches, there are nudist recreation areas and wild beaches (usually pebble). Among couples and parents with children, the resorts Albena, Duni, Elenite and Sunny Day are popular. Favorite vacation spots for young people are Golden Sands, Kranevo and Sunny Beach.
Abkhazia: budget option
A popular beach holiday destination that does not require significant financial expenses is Abkhazia. Russians can visit the republic without visas; the cost of accommodation and food is quite affordable. Tourists come to the Black Sea coast of the region from May to October, the high season lasts all summer.
Most of the Abkhazian beaches are made of pebbles. There are several sandy zones in Gagra, Sukhumi, Pitsunda and near New Athos. Pitsunda and New Athos are especially suitable for holidays with children. Young people spend their holidays mainly in Gagra.
Adventures in Italian
Swimming season in hospitable Italy begins at the end of May or mid-June - it all depends on the region and the vagaries of the weather. Peak holidaymakers occur in July and August. In early September, the velvet season begins.
The best beaches in Italy (both sandy and pebble) are found not only on the mainland, but also on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Magnificent beach areas can also be found on the territory of small Italian islands. Medical resorts with thermal springs (Terme Lucane, Fiuggi Terme and others) are very popular among tourists. Guests with children go for a relaxing holiday to Alghero, Lignano and Ostuni, the Venetian Riviera and Cattolica. Young people go to Rimini and Riccione.
All countries from the Top 10 are famous for their beach holidays. You can go to six of them (Abkhazia, Cyprus, Morocco, Russia, Tunisia, Turkey) on a last-minute trip in the summer of 2018. To travel to Bulgaria, Greece, Spain and Italy, you will have to purchase a tour in advance. But these four states can be visited with one Schengen visa (even Bulgaria, which is not yet part of Schengen). This means that your vacation will be even more interesting and varied.
Krasnodar region in the 2017 season is the number one destination
MOSCOW, May 30, FederalPress. The most popular tourist destination among Russians in the summer of 2017 is the Krasnodar Territory. This was stated during a briefing at the National News Service (NSN) news agency by Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).
“Russia leads the list of the most popular tourist destinations. The Krasnodar region is the number one destination in the 2017 season. People go to Sochi. In second place is Crimea. The average price increase at Russian resorts is 15%, and we are seeing some stagnation in demand. Let me note that last year 15 million people vacationed in the Krasnodar Territory, and if we manage to repeat the result, the region will receive as many Russians as the total of the 10 most popular foreign resorts,” Lomidze said.
“Türkiye is leading among outbound destinations this year. In second place is Greece, in third is Spain. These two countries can be said to be fighting for second place. Cyprus is in fourth place, Bulgaria is in fifth place,” added the head of ATOR.
According to Lomidze, with the emergence of Turkey on the tourism market, the demand for Tunisia has decreased significantly. However, the country where the ancient city of Carthage is located remains in the list of 20 most popular destinations.
It must be said that Turkey has become the record holder for reducing prices on the tourism market for Russians this year. A country located in two parts of the world at once offered trips cheaper than they once were to Egypt, with which Russia has no direct communication. Maya Lomidze cited May as an example, when you could spend a week at Turkish resorts for just 10 thousand rubles including meals. Now prices are, of course, higher. On average, a week of vacation will cost around 25–30 thousand rubles per person in a three-star hotel with all-inclusive meals.
“Türkiye has never been as cheap as it is now. True, it is worth noting that our other foreign partners prefer not to raise prices in foreign currency for Russian tourists. For example, the Czech Republic,” Lomidze explained.
The average cost of a week's holiday in the organized tourism segment is 40 thousand rubles. At the same time, the price category is different everywhere - there are tours for both 20 thousand rubles and 60 thousand.
Lomidze notes that demand is growing not only for Turkey. This year, one of the very popular destinations, even in summer, despite the rainy season, is Thailand. Nowadays there is a decline in prices, and people prefer to relax in Southeast Asia. Thus, there is a possibility that by the end of the year 1.5 million Russians will vacation there, whereas before the crisis, on average, no more than a million people went there a year.
In addition, demand for the Dominican Republic is growing. This is a fairly low-budget direction. However, the head of ATOR announced an increase in the number of flights to this Caribbean country starting next week.
There is also growth on expensive European routes. Despite the terrorist attack in Manchester and the difficult procedure for obtaining a British visa, the demand for travel around Foggy Albion has increased slightly this year. This is due to the fall in the value of the national currency of Great Britain - the pound sterling.
Moscow, September 18 - "Vesti.Ekonomika". The World Tourism Organization published its annual report "The UNWTO Tourism Highlights 2018 Edition", in which experts identified the main tourism trends.
According to the report, the total number of international tourist trips grew by 6.8% to 1.32 billion in 2017.
This is the highest growth rate since 2009. It is also 84 million more than in 2016.
Experts attribute this growth to the recovery of the global economy.
Additionally, the report states that international tourism spending was $1.34 trillion in 2017.
Below we will tell you about the 10 most popular tourist destinations in 2017.
10. Thailand
Arrivals: 35.4 millionChange in 2017: +8,6%
Today, the main resorts that specialize in mass tourism are located on the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, famous for their white sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls, coral reefs and coconut palms.
The most famous beaches: Chaweng, Lamai, Nathon, Bophut, Taling Ngam, Maenam, Big Buddha, Hua Thanon, Bang Po, Choeng Mon, Bang Kao and Lipa Noi. Hua Hin, located relatively close to Bangkok, is gaining increasing popularity.
9. Germany
Change in 2017: +5,2%
Modern Germany is characterized by cultural diversity; there is no centralization of cultural life and cultural values in one or several cities - they are dispersed literally throughout the country: along with the famous Berlin, Munich, Weimar, Dresden or Cologne, there are many small, not so widely known, but culturally significant places.
8. Türkiye
Change in 2017: +24,1%
Turkey has all the prerequisites for the development of this service sector: it is washed by four seas (Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara and Black), the coast has a subtropical Mediterranean climate (the length of the coastline is 7200 km, there are 355 beaches), 2870 hotels for 700 thousand. places, it ranks 2nd in Europe and 7th in the world in terms of the number of thermal springs (1300), has a large number of attractions (ruins of ancient Greek and Roman cities, including the legendary Troy, monuments from the times of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires). A developed network of internal transport allows you to travel comfortably to anywhere in the country.
7. UK
Change in 2017: +5,1%
Tourism contributes £27 billion to the UK economy. According to this indicator, it is in 7th place in the world.
The largest number of visitors are from the USA, France, Germany, the Irish Republic, and the Netherlands.
Great Britain is the birthplace of modern tourism as a form of cultural leisure.
6. Mexico
Change in 2017: +12,0%
Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world. Mexico's attractiveness to tourists is due to a combination of many factors: a unique culture including cultural festivals, cities with architecture dating back to Spanish colonial rule, the ruins of ancient Mesoamerican cities, the presence of nature reserves and beach resorts, combined with a favorable climate.
The country's peak tourist season runs from October to midsummer, with spikes during the week before New Year's, Easter and spring break, when US students flock to the beach resorts.
5. Italy
Change in 2017: +11,2%
Italy is the largest region of international tourism (over 50 million people per year). The country is home to 155 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country in the world.
Tourism in Italy is one of the leading sectors of the economy. The largest number of tourists arrive in Italy from China - about 3 million per year.
4. China
Change in 2017: +2,5%
China's attractions can be divided into three main groups: natural sites, historical and cultural monuments, and sites of national traditions.
The long history of China has left a large number of monuments; the list of cities in China that are most attractive to tourists includes 54 cities.
The Great Wall of China is the most famous symbol of the Chinese nation and one of the main tourist attractions.
More than ten sections of the Great Wall of China are open to tourists, including Badaling, 75 km from Beijing, Laolontou in Hebei province and Jiayuguan in Gansu province.
3. USA
Change in 2017: -3,8%
The United States has enormous recreational potential, as well as a large number of attractions and museums.
Suffice it to say that four of the ten most popular museums in the world are located in the United States.
We are talking about the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the Museum of the Art Institute in Chicago and the Washington National Gallery.
A specific area of educational travel in America are ethnographic excursions.
They include visits to the traditional places of residence of the Indians, the ancient cities of the Inca, Aztec and Mayan empires.
2. Spain
Change in 2017: +8,6%
The most famous museum in Spain, the Prado Museum, is located in Madrid. There are many more unique museums and galleries in Spain: the Picasso Museum and the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, located in Barcelona, the National Sculpture Museum in Valladolid, the El Greco Museum in Toledo, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art in Cuenca.
Spain is one of the largest centers of international tourism. The main tourist centers are Madrid and Barcelona, as well as resorts - Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Canary Islands.
1. France
Change in 2017: +5,1%
France is the most visited country in the world (by the number of foreigners visiting), Paris is the most touristic city, the Eiffel Tower is the most visited and popular attraction in the world, which means that France is the undisputed champion of world tourism.
What undoubtedly attracts visitors to France is the wide variety of landscapes, long lines of ocean and sea coasts, a temperate climate, many different monuments, as well as the prestige of French culture, cuisine and lifestyle.