Preliminary sales of cruises along the inland water ways of Russia in the navigation period of 2015 have increased by 20-25%, Domestic Tourism Director of Vodokhod LLC Andrei Smolin told IAA PortNews.
Andrei Smolin is sure the trend is likely to remain.
“There is a number of factors showing that the demand in the domestic market sees essential changes. First, it is a support of domestic tourism from the Federal Tourism Agency. Second, ban on international travels for some categories of RF citizens or silent recommendation not to visit certain countries. Third, the decline of confidence in international tourism operators amid the recent bankruptcy of several tour operators. Many of them are looking for an alternative tourism product today and our cruises can see enjoy an additional sales sector”, Andrei Smolin said.
LLC Vodokhod founded in 2004 is now the largest river cruises operator in Russia. The company operates a fleet of four-deck cruise ships and small fleet. The company provides a broad range of services including transportation, meals, excursions, entertainment, personnel training. In 2014 the company carried 68,000 people. Vodokhod' is part of VBTH, a majority owned shipping division of UCL Holding.
The Company is a member of VBTH, a shipping division of UCL Holding (majority owner of VBTH), consolidating also a number of Russian rail, stevedoring and logistics assets.