The number of Russian tourists who visited Romania increased by 73% in the first quarter of 2015, as fewer Russians went abroad in this period, according to Russia’s Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat), reports local Economica.net.

The number of Russian tourists who went to Eastern European countries went down by almost half. The Czech Republic had 45% fewer Russian tourists, Poland saw a 33% decline, and Slovenia welcomed 50% less tourists from Russia. Hungary was less affected and had 8% fewer Russian tourists.

According to the Russian tour-operators’ association the ruble’s depreciation determined a 50% drop in the number of Russian tourists that visited other countries. However, Greece remains a popular destination for Russian tourists, alongside Hungary and Romania.

editor@romania-insider.com