Turkspert advised Russian tourists of the country to replace Europe

Even if the countries of the Schengen area completely stop issuing visas, this will not be a problem for Russian tourists, as they have many alternative destinations. Natalia Anstal, head of the Go Travel tour operator, told Izvestia on November 12.

"Naturally, we also have the opportunity to travel abroad, as we used to go to Turkey. If, for example, even with regard to Turkey, you can go to the coast, you can go, for example, to take a walk in Istanbul. And Istanbul is a kind of variation of Europe that is accessible to any Russian tourist without any visa," the expert said.

According to her, interest in Asian destinations has also grown noticeably in recent years. Tourists are increasingly choosing Thailand, Vietnam and China, where a visa-free regime is now in effect.

In addition to Asia, Caribbean and Middle Eastern destinations are actively developing. Cuba and Venezuela are becoming popular alternatives to the Dominican Republic, and the UAE offers both beach and sightseeing holidays, Anstal stressed.

"At first it really seemed like we had nowhere to go. But in fact, the more we began to delve into the question of where to go, if not to Europe, the more obvious it became that there are so many countries in the world that can be visited, and not only possible, but necessary. And we are united with All Inclusive not only by Europe and not by Turkey alone," the expert emphasized.

In addition, she drew attention to the rapid growth of domestic tourism: almost every region of Russia today can offer travelers unique routes and attractions. Any subject of the federation — from Ryazan to Arkhangelsk — is ready to receive guests. According to Anstal, this trend will not stop, because tourism has become an important part of the economy.

"Even if the European Union says now that we are issuing visas to everyone, the growth and dynamics of Russian tourism will not stop. This machine is already running. No one will stop her, because, at least, it makes money," she concluded.

The window was closed: The European Commission banned issuing multiple-entry visas to Russians

The EU authorities have linked this measure to improving the security of the Schengen area.

On the same day, Nikita Kondratiev, director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, told TASS on the sidelines of the Russian Wine Forum that there was a risk that EU countries would completely stop issuing Schengen visas to Russians following the ban on issuing multivisa.

On November 7, the European Commission (EC) announced a ban on issuing new multiple-entry visas to Russians. Now, to visit the EU, Russian citizens will have to apply to the visa application center every time. Switzerland will join the new EU visa restrictions on Russian citizens. Meanwhile, the French Embassy promised to continue issuing visas to Russians.

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