Tenerife Tourist board losing the Russian Market
The Tenerife Cabildo and regional government have been urged to do more to increase the islands visibility in the Russian market. An estimated 92,000 Russians visited Tenerife in 2008 and whilst a 10% rise on this number is predicted in 2009, it is felt that competition from other countries such as Italy, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece is hampering Tenerife´s potential. 2008 visitor numbers were up 27% on 2007 so the slight slowdown in growth needs to be addressed – according to Natalie Tours, a tour company represented throughout Spain which has offices in several Russian cities providing an substantial inroad to the Russian market.
Over 9 million Russians per year holiday abroad so the potential is there but Tenerife must not be allowed to fall behind those competing for this lucrative market. The Canary Islands have held a dominant position in recent years but are in danger of falling behind since Italy, Cyprus and Greece have reached similar market levels.
A delegation from Tenerife will travel to the annual Moscow International Tourism Fair at the end of this month where they will attempt to reach a conclusive agreement on the role of government in terms of the islands promotion.
