December 5, 2005
Russia vs. Eastern Europe
There's an interesting Newsweek article about how tourism in Russia is declining. If you've seen the pictures of Moscow and St. Petersburg you may be surprised.
However there are a number of reasons:
Tourism officials cite red tape, poor infrastructure, poor service, security fears—and, most recently, cost. A weeklong visit to Moscow or St. Petersburg has tripled in the past four years to $1,700, many times more expensive than any of their Eastern European neighbors.For example the article cites Poland and Turkey being 3 times less expensive than Russia.
Part of the infrastructure problem is caused by a lack of hotel rooms. Hotels are bein torn down but new hotels are not being built. Another issue is the lack of English signs.
Then there are the increasingly difficult visas, increasing numbers of robberies, and extortion from police. All in all, it's easy to see why people are choosing Poland and Turkey.
Posted by James Trotta at December 5, 2005 12:58 AM
Link to the article, please?
Posted by: Dennis at December 12, 2005 6:36 AMOne more bullshit about Russia, ohhh, we use to say; you do not like, you don’t come and definitely we have nothing to loose except ugly Brits stags.
Posted by: And at December 15, 2005 7:24 PMI have to say we visited Russia over a year ago to adopt our children and it is a nice place to visit if you stay in Moscow. I suggest the Radison Prices are not to high and the staff some do speak english. Arbot street is a nice place to tour and eat. Outside of Moscow there is not much to see, They do not own lawn mowers! The city a Vladimir is also a nice stop for a day but hotels are limited. The churches over there are beautiful!
Posted by: MJK at December 16, 2005 11:14 PM