Direct flights from Russia to Indonesia have the potential to boost Russian tourist traffic to the country by 15-20%, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR). However, the association suggests that the removal of visas is unlikely to have a significant impact on the tourist flow.
"Encouraging news emerges from Indonesia as the nation explores the possibility of broadening visa-free travel for citizens from 20 countries, including Russia. While tour operators are skeptical about a substantial surge in tourist traffic, they suggest that the introduction of direct flights could potentially boost Russian classical tourist visits to Indonesia by 15-20%," the report reads.
While any relaxation of requirements typically stimulates demand, the visa issue is comparatively less concerning for Russians when contrasted with the absence of direct air travel, as highlighted by ATOR.
Space Travel emphasized the negligible impact of visa expenses ($35) in comparison to the overall cost of recreation in Indonesia. For instance, a week's stay for two during the New Year holidays might total around 20 thousand rubles, whereas a round-trip flight with three connections during the same period could exceed 100 thousand rubles per person. Despite this, the demand for travel to Indonesia is deemed satisfactory, according to the association.
Official statistics from Indonesia reveal that the number of visits by Russian citizens to the country from January to October 2023 has already surpassed the figures for the entire record year of 2019, with 131,482 visits recorded, as noted by ATOR.
Russian Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev has reported that Russian airlines are considering the resumption of flights to Indonesia, along with the possibility of initiating flights to the Philippines.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS