Expensive resort yields dissatisfaction: chilly sea, barren VIP zones, congested pathways, exorbitant food prices akin to truffles
Rising Costs and Alternative Destinations: Sochi Vacationers Seek Change
For many vacationers, Sochi has long been a popular destination, known for its beautiful beaches and winter sports. However, a growing trend is emerging as tourists seek alternative destinations due to increasing costs and a focus on commercialization.
Many tourists are saving money by booking transportation in advance and choosing accommodation in the private sector. But even these cost-saving measures may not be enough, as the cost of a room in one hotel in Sochi has increased from 4200 to 6000 rubles per night, with plans for further increases by August. A lunch consisting of two dishes and a dessert without alcohol in a café can cost up to 5,000 rubles.
Beach lounger rental and VIP cabanas in Sochi are also expensive, costing 6-8,000 rubles per day and 6-8,000 rubles per day respectively. These high costs do not guarantee a memorable experience, as some tourists have found.
In response to these concerns, tourists are looking for alternatives like Crimea, budget-friendly Abkhazia, Caucasian Mineral Waters, Baikal, Ural, or foreign countries offering guaranteed service levels and quality beaches at comparable prices.
Two emerging destinations that are gaining popularity are Mari El and Chuvashia. These regions offer unique cultural, historical, and authentic local experiences that contrast with the more commercialized tourist infrastructure found in Sochi.
Mari El and Chuvashia are republics with distinct Finno-Ugric ethnic groups, preserving unique languages, traditions, music, crafts, and religious practices that are less commercialized and more authentic than typical tourist spots. Tourists looking for less crowded, more genuine interactions with rural life, folklore, and unspoiled nature find these regions attractive. This includes traditional festivals, local crafts, and cuisine not widely available in mass tourism areas.
Besides cultural heritage, these regions offer beautiful natural settings such as forests, rivers, and lakes for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. While Sochi is famed for beaches and winter sports, some tourists may prefer the quieter, culturally immersive experience that Mari El and Chuvashia provide.
This season in Sochi, an additional negative factor has been the cool weather and low sea water temperature. As a result, interest in less known domestic destinations like Bashkortostan, Perm Krai, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Novosibirsk has increased.
A study by the Russian booking service "Tutu.ru" revealed a request for a trip to Mars, highlighting some tourists' desire for uniquely exceptional experiences. International destinations like Turkey and Egypt often offer a better price-to-quality ratio for beach holidays. Many potential tourists decided not to go to Sochi due to the high prices, especially for all-inclusive hotels.
In Sochi, infrastructure development, including transport infrastructure, is being invested in. The transition of local businesses in Sochi from short-term super-profits to a long-term strategy focused on customer satisfaction is being encouraged. Price control measures have been proposed for the high season in Sochi, including regulation of the cost of basic services. Quality standards for hotels and catering are being developed and enforced in Sochi.
In conclusion, while Sochi remains a popular destination, the rising costs and focus on commercialization have led many tourists to seek alternative destinations. Regions like Mari El and Chuvashia, with their unique cultural and natural offerings, are gaining popularity as alternatives to the mainstream resort city of Sochi.
Personal-finance considerations drive vacationers to explore alternative destinations, and Mari El and Chuvashia, with their unique cultural experiences and lower costs, are becoming increasingly popular choices. These Finno-Ugric regions offer a more authentic and economical experience compared to the commercialized tourist spots in Sochi.
