Russian Visitors To GCC To Increase 38% By 2020

The number of Russian tourists travelling to the GCC in 2020 is expected to be 38% higher than the arrival figures recorded for 2016, according to data published recently by Arabian Travel Market 2018, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22-25, 2018.

Looking at the economic drivers, the value of the Russian rouble is stable and firming gradually, helped by Russia’s decision to join OPEC and cut oil production, which has supported an oil price recovery to over $60 per barrel, while forecasts for 2018 put oil at an average of $57 per barrel, a 5.6% increase over 2017.

Over the last 25 years, Russia has been well represented at ATM, with exhibitors including Moscow City Government, National Tourist Union and the city of St Petersburg. Russian visitors to the exhibition increased 17% YoY between 2016 and 2017 and 9.4% of total visitors last year were interested in doing business with Russia.