foreign tourists most often choose to travel to Moscow

Russian tour operators noted a 15-20 percent increase in foreign demand for winter tours in Russia in the current season.

"According to the estimates of tour operators interviewed by ATOR, the entry flow in the winter season 2018-2019 will increase by about 15-20 percent compared with the previous similar period," the association said.

The most significant growth is expected from China (up 40-50 percent), South Korea (about 60 percent), Israel (15-20 percent), Germany (20-25 percent), France (about 15 percent), it added.

According to experts, foreign tourists most often choose to travel to Moscow, St. Petersburg and along the Trans-Siberian Railway. Experts believe that the flow of tourists could grow even faster if Russia had recognizable and popular winter brands.