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All Top Travel Destinations Face Decline in Russian Tourists

Experts warn that tourist numbers from Russia will continue to fall. Denis Abramov / Vedomosti

A drop in Russian tourists caused by the devaluation of the ruble affected all top travel destinations during the summer months, the RBC newspaper reported Thursday.

Out of 35 popular travel destinations included in the study, the biggest decline in Russian tourists was seen in the Dominican Republic and Mexico with 63 percent and 58 percent fewer Russian visitors vacationing in these countries compared to the same month last year, RBC said.

More Russians are being forced to give up international travel due to the weak ruble, which has made foreign travel less affordable.

A sharp fall in the number of tourists has been seen even in Turkey and Egypt, two of the most popular destinations for Russians.

According to data from RBC's study, the number of Russian tourists in Turkey fell by 18 percent in August compared to the same month last year.

The number of Russian tourists visiting Egypt fell by 15 percent during the same period.

Experts warn that tourist numbers from Russia will continue to fall.

Maya Lomidze, executive director of Russia's Tour Operators Association (ATOR), told RBC that in the period from October to January the number of Russians traveling abroad could be up to 30 percent smaller than the same period last year.

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