Chief editor of the newspaper “Tourism and rest” Lily Kobzik told why poverty did not prevent Belarusians to relax by the sea this summer.
Belarusians spent the past tourist season?
Went to sea in spite of everything
Belarusians were more active than expected in the pessimistic forecasts. For various reasons, everyone was preparing for the worst-case scenario, expecting that the exit will be more sluggish than last year. In the end, when compared with the best years, the situation was not rosy, but all the chains that were scheduled, took place, and charters are filled and flew away.
Favorites – Bulgaria, Greece and even Turkey
Now the palm in the preferences of Belarusians is shared by Bulgaria and Greece. Sell well Montenegro and Spain. Also, no one drops from the accounts of European bus tours. Even go to Portugal by bus – as these tours allow you to see a lot of European countries and another eight days to spend at sea. Despite the fact that cost up to 500 euros.
Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for Belarusians received a powerful shock – to the image and security. What is there just no happening! However, during the season, sometimes I had to add planes to send everyone.
But the poverty still affects Belarusians
– Greatly decreased the check. Before the average cost of the package approached a thousand dollars per person or hovered around $ 700-800. Now people want $ 500 per person, and it is better 350 or 340! And what is it? It is bus tours, from which the Belarusians in recent years, weaned and choose travel by plane. So this season was very popular tours on the Black sea in Odessa.
Crimea is no more
– If once Crimea was direction No. 1, now its as mainstream just yet. No rail transport, bus chains are only through Russia, which is very hard for the family… Although some tourists still go there. Why? It is mostly those, who for 20 years went there to relax and loves this place. Someone is going to relatives and friends. Some go to the Crimea for political reasons.
What will happen if the Belarusians will become even poorer?
– Now the average salary in Belarus has not yet dropped below $ 300. So many people can afford to travel – it’s mostly the high class officials or businessmen. If we talk about teachers, low-paid civil servants who have a salary of 300 rubles, holidays abroad they are not available. If the average salary in Belarus will continue to fall, the tourism we have in the Soviet Union. This is the maximum a trip to Odessa, to her grandmother in the village or to the cottage.
