Russian tourists head for Thailand despite political turmoil

Tourist flow from Russia to Thailand has increased in the recent months despite the wobbly political situation in the kingdom, Deputy Honorary Consul of Russia to the Thai provinces of Chonburi and Rayong Viktor Kriventsov told Itar-Tass.

“Official last-year results are yet to be released, but we can say for sure there has been no ebb in the tourist flow. On the contrary, we are observing growth,” said Kriventsov. According to the trade representation’s estimates, about 1.5 million Russian visited Thailand, while the Thai side estimates the number at 1.8 million.

The period between November and March is high season in Thailand, when the weather is most favorable for beach holidays.
“According to our estimates, the number of Russian tourists increased 25% during the latest last high season,” said Sales Director of the tourist company SAYAMA Travel Valentina Malaya. However, she noted a decline in “the quality of the tourist flow” saying people opted for increasingly cheaper tours with less “stars”.

Natalie Tours’ representative in Thailand Georgy Bondarenko also mentioned a noticeable market shift towards low budget holidays.