The summer of 2012 will see 10 per cent more Russian tourists travelling abroad. They are expected to flock to the familiar and long-loved destinations, like Egypt, Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Turkey. Beach holidays do not cease to attract those who prefer roasting in the sun by the sea or ocean.

      Thailand is expected to welcome crowds of tourists this summer, as well. This may be the most significant change with regards to the Russian tourism abroad. Until now Thailand would only see the increase in Russian tourists in winter time, when sun-longing Russians would come to bathe in the ocean. In 2012 already several charter flights have been booked to take tourists to their exotic destination.

      The surge in foreign trips is happening against the backdrop of recent plane crashes. Boat faults on the Mediterranean also don't put the tourists off: many tourists have already booked river and sea cruises in this region. There is good news for Russian inner tourism: it is also expected to grow 10 per cent.

      Speaking of booking, following the bancruptcy of several tour operators earlier this year, tourists withheld from early holiday bookings. Whereas previously the summer tours would be booked at the start of the year, this is now postponed until the start of school holidays. 

      Source: Travel.ru.