Russia is experiencing a remarkable tourism boom from the Gulf states, with visitor numbers increasing by 250% this year, according to Alexander Mkrtchyan, Vice President of the Russian Alliance of Travel Agencies.
Speaking at the TouristExpo. Crimea forum, Mkrtchyan noted that travelers from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia are choosing Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sochi as their primary destinations.
“What's particularly interesting is that Sochi has become a major draw,” Mkrtchyan told journalists. “We're seeing more and more direct flights from these countries to Sochi.”
He explained that Arab tourists are attracted to Sochi's climate and natural scenery, showing greater interest in its mountains and forests than in beach activities, which are readily available in their home countries.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS