Since May 2, Russia and Morocco have resumed direct flights. The flight from Moscow Domodedovo to Casablanca will depart twice a week. On this subject reported RIA Novosti with reference to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) and the representative office of Royal Air Maroc in Moscow.
Morocco’s national airline Royal Air Maroc suspended flights to Russia in March 2022. Previously, the airline did not operate flights to Moscow from March 2020 to February 2022 due to the pandemic. From now on the flight program is planned until the end of the summer season, the flights will be operated on Wednesdays and Fridays.
At the same time, Yury Barzykin, vice-president of the Russian Travel Industry Union, told Russian media that the Moroccan destination should not be expected to become very popular among Russians.
“It is hardly possible to say that a large flow will be generated there, because at one point Morocco even subsidized our flights, but the company has still not managed to make it profitable. Although the country is interesting: there is a whole list of tours in this country, with relaxation, excellent cuisine, and castles, and nothing else. But flying is not close, it will not be easy to promote this direction. Although in conditions of limited travel, it can be interesting, ”said Barzykin.
The most popular tourist destinations among Russians now remain domestic ones, the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry is sure. It is inside the country, according to Barzykin, that 85% of the population moves.
What other foreign destinations are popular with Russians
Among foreign tourist destinations, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand remain in the lead. Nevertheless, outbound tourism occupies a small market segment of the tourism industry.
“More than 30 foreign destinations have been opened, but 60% of them are Turkey. Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Thailand are the most popular for May this year, adding the same amount for these months as for all of last year. There are directions further, but they are small, and Morocco is one of those directions,” Barzykin stressed.
In addition, the PCT is waiting for the opening of a visa-free regime with China – then group travel will become easier and the management will be able to earn significant volumes, the expert is sure of this. “Now when it’s all about visas, it’s much smaller volumes. Therefore, while Türkiye is ahead of everyone else,” he said.
At the same time, according to Barzykin, it is more profitable to travel abroad not on your own, but through travel agencies. Most of the cost of the tour is the price of the flight. Now a plane ticket to Turkey can cost 50,000 rubles, after the May holidays, flight prices can drop to 35,000 in both directions.
“It is more profitable to travel, of course, only on tour, because the seat blocks and the risks are very high. An organized trip is at least 20% cheaper.
In the case of Turkey, the flight takes a significant amount – it has doubled since last year. Really – from 80 thousand rubles. for 8-10 days for two, but it all depends on the category.
In 100 thousand, it’s really possible to meet up with two people on a round trip flight. From 200 thousand if it’s four stars, all inclusive. Emirates is even more expensive. Thailand – from 300,000 for two for 10 days with flights and accommodation,” Barzykin concluded.
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