While on average a Russian tourist spends in Estonia over 300 euros, at the end of the year their spending increases by two or three times in 2012, experts say, which according to estimates of Eesti Päevaleht means 5-10 million euros extra income for the tourism sector as compared to last year, writes LETA.
In December and January around 1,000 Russian tourists more than last year are expected to visit Estonia. Over the past five years, the number of Russian tourists has increased four times.
Since Russian tourists are among the biggest revenue creators of companies, accommodation and entertainment facilities in Tallinn and elsewhere in Estonia focus a lot of Russian tourists when organising New Year's parties. A large part of packages and hotel places are sold out in September and October.
Enterprise Estonia Tourism Development Centre head Tarmo Mutso said that 15,000 Russian tourists more can be expected in December and January than last year when over 62,000 people from Russia came to Estonia and stayed overnight in accommodation establishments. Many people also stay at relatives or come on day cruises. "When Russian people spend an average of 310 euros a year on a trip, we assume that at the end of the year the spending is considerably bigger. New Year's parties in Tallinn cost over 100 euro a person already," said Mutso.
Comments