CCTV9英语新闻：Russian tour ban affects operators, consumers

Russia's dispute with Turkey is leaving tourists out in the cold. Since Moscow banned package tours to Turkey, Russians hoping for some winter sun are trying to find an alternative. And the ban is also affecting Russian tour operators who now need to find other, affordable destinations.

 

For Aleksandra and her husband, Turkey is a very special place. It's where they went on honeymoon. And now, they return yearly with their two children. They like renting a car for sighting-seeing to enjoy the sea and the mountains - and all for one low price. But with Russia's package tour ban in place, their family plans are ruined.

 

"It's really sad because we really like the people and the country itself. And now, we'll have to look for other options. And that looks like a tough thing to do," said Aleksandra Gerasimova, a teacher.

 

Russia has banned package tours to Turkey in retaliation for the downing of a warplane near the Syrian border last week. Since then, Moscow and Ankara have been locked in the worst confrontation in years. 

 

One of the largest tour operators, Tez Tour, says that tourism packages to Turkey made up about half of its business. Now, it's being forced to seek alternative travel routes, including United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, China and Cuba.

 

"No other destination can compare with Turkey price wise, even the cheapest destination. Greece is the cheapest destination in Europe but it still cannot compare to Turkey. It's a big problem for tour operators, to find a place with so many hotels for similar prices to Turkey is extremely difficult," said Larissa Akhanova, PR director of TEZ tour.

 

According to the government, nearly four million Russian tourists visited Turkey last year. It is one of the most popular destinations due to its attractive price. A week's five-star all-inclusive holiday to Turkey could cost around $500. 

 

Along with the ban on package tours to Turkey, Moscow has barred some food imports, ended visa-free travel and has halted various joint business projects. These sanctions are likely to hurt both sides and the consumers will inevitably see prices rise for food and holidays abroad.