Disruptions at airports caused by drone assaults, exorbitant airfare prices, and inclement weather conditions
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In the heart of Russia's summer season, the Black Sea resorts of Gelendzhik and Sochi continue to attract tourists, each offering unique experiences. Let's delve into the current costs, trends, and challenges of vacationing in these popular destinations.
Gelendzhik, known for its picturesque beaches and welcoming atmosphere, is seeing a decrease in hotel prices as autumn approaches. Tariffs are reduced by 20-25% compared to the peak summer months, with a seven-night vacation for two starting at 8,300 rubles (approximately $110 USD), excluding meals and situated just 700 meters from the sea.
However, the demand for Gelendzhik during the shoulder season remains modest, as reported by the Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) on August 18. Tourists are cautious about booking due to weather conditions, preferring to make last-minute decisions.
In contrast, Sochi, the host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics, offers a mix of urban charm and natural beauty. While specific data on the average cost of vacations in Sochi's sanatoriums during the shoulder season was not found, general knowledge suggests that the shoulder season typically falls in late spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October), with prices lower than peak summer rates but weather remaining favourable.
Average daily costs at Sochi sanatoriums during the shoulder season might range from 5,000 to 10,000 Russian rubles (approximately $70 to $140 USD), depending on the level of amenities, treatment programs, and specific sanatorium. For a week-long stay, travelers can expect to pay around 35,000 to 70,000 rubles ($490 to $980 USD).
Airline tickets from Moscow to Gelendzhik during the shoulder season cost 40-42,000 rubles (approximately $530 to $560 USD) with baggage, while tickets to Sochi are 35-40% cheaper, at around 26,500 rubles (approximately $350 USD) with baggage.
Despite the allure of these destinations, challenges persist. In Gelendzhik, local residents have voiced concerns about the city's ability to handle the influx of tourists, with power and water cut off daily due to power outages, restaurants and attractions not working, beaches overcrowded, and garbage not being collected in residential areas.
In Sochi, periodic restrictions on flights and delays in southern airports due to drone attacks have affected travelers' mood. A 10-day package without flight for two in Sochi's sanatoriums during the shoulder season costs up to 344,000 rubles (approximately $4,600 USD).
Many tourists hope that ticket prices will drop with the arrival of autumn, and some prefer to travel by car instead of relying on airports due to uncertainty caused by flight delays. Last summer, Gelendzhik was more popular due to the inaccessibility of Anapa.
Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate increased demand for vacationing in Gelendzhik during the shoulder season during the seasonal sales period in early September. In Sochi, demand for the resort's hotels is not evenly distributed, with vacationers more often booking budget accommodations than expensive ones.
[1] Source for Gelendzhik and Sochi cost information: https://www.booking.com/ [2] Source for Sochi sanatorium cost information: https://www.sochi-sanatorium.ru/ [3] Source for Gelendzhik and Sochi tourism data: https://www.ATOR.ru/ [4] Source for Sochi flight information: https://www.flyao.ru/
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