Uzbekistan has secured its position among the top five most popular air travel destinations in 2023, as per the report by the Russian news agency TASS. The former Soviet republics, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, have collectively as per for 12.2% of the total number of air tickets issued by Russian citizens, marking a significant increase.
The study, conducted by the travel service Tutu.ru, highlights that flights from Moscow to domestic destinations have dominated the list of popular routes. The top three routes were identified as Moscow to Sochi, Moscow to St. Petersburg, and Moscow to Kaliningrad, capturing 5.7%, 5.2%, and 3.1% shares, respectively.
The list further includes flights to Mineralnye Vody and Yekaterinburg from Moscow, securing the fourth and fifth positions in the ranking. Notably, regional flights also made their mark, with St. Petersburg to Sochi securing the sixth spot, and St. Petersburg to Kaliningrad claiming the twelfth position in popularity.
When it comes to foreign travel, neighboring countries have witnessed a surge in demand. The top five international destinations for Russian travelers include Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Turkey holds the sixth position, with the UAE and Georgia ranking ninth and tenth, respectively.
The overall share of foreign flights, particularly to neighboring countries, increased from 11.4% in the previous year to 12.2% in 2023. European countries maintained a stable share of 0.5% of the total number of tickets issued. Long-haul flights abroad also saw growth, increasing from 2% to 2.9% of the total ticket share.
Despite the overall rise in travel enthusiasm, the study notes a 4% increase in the average bill for round-trip flights to neighboring countries, reaching almost RUB 27,000 ($300) in 2023. However, the average cost for non-CIS countries decreased by 2%, amounting to almost RUB 50,000 ($556). European travel expenses witnessed a contrasting trend, surging by 16% to reach RUB 74,000 ($824).
Daryo recently reported the signing of a Protocol of Understanding between Uzbekistan and Georgia. The accord, inked between the Uzbekistan Embassy in Tbilisi and Georgia's Check-in Travel, marks the culmination of in-depth discussions and collaborative efforts between the two nations. The primary objectives of this bilateral engagement are geared toward boosting tourism, fortifying trade and economic partnerships, and fostering a deeper connection through cultural and social exchanges.
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