In the next 5 years, the tourist flow from Russia to the GCC countries will grow by 2.9 million people.
Dubai, UAE. The tourist flow from Russia to the Gulf countries will grow from 933 thousand people in 2018 to 2.1 million people by 2023, or 125% in the next 5 years, according to a study by Colliers International, an international consulting company.
In recent years, the report says, Russia has significantly strengthened ties with the Gulf region: the number of direct flights has increased significantly, a number of countries have canceled tourist visas; in addition, oil prices and the ruble rate stabilized. Gulf countries have significantly increased tourist capacities, built new amusement parks, which also affected the growth of tourist flow.
For the past 26 years, Russia has been actively participating in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Over the past year, the number of Russian visitors to the exhibition has grown by 29%, and the number of visitors interested in developing a business with Russia has grown by 3%.
Daniela Kurtis, exhibition director for the Middle East region, said: “Traditionally, the GCC countries are popular among Russian tourists. At present, we also note a strong increase in tourist flow. Russia remains one of the 10 leading tourist markets for the UAE: in 2017, the tourist flow amounted to 530 thousand people, or 121% more than a year earlier. The main catalyst for growth was the introduction of a visa-free regime. "
According to Colliers International forecasts, tourist flow from Russia to the UAE will grow by another 69%, to 895,700 tourists. In response to growing demand, Emirates launched its third flight from Moscow to Dubai (two of them will be operated on A380 airliners), and also delivered an A380 airliner on flights to St. Petersburg.
Etihad Airways and Flydubai also increased the number of flights from Russia to the UAE, in particular, Flydubai added a second Moscow airport - Sheremetyevo to the route network. "Russian tourists come to the Gulf countries in search of a year-round beach season, world-class hotels and resorts, as well as great entertainment and amenities," added Kurtis.
In 2018, over 39 thousand people attended the ATM exhibition, making it the largest in its history. Arabian Travel Market 2019 will be held at the Dubai World Trade Center from April 28 to May 1, 2019.
