Spending summer vacation in Crimea does not look so frightening to Russians as a year ago; at the same time, the vacation cost has increased.
MOSCOW, July 1, 2015. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the results of the survey describing how many Russians plan to visit Crimea; who much money they are going to spend; what attracts them to Crimea, and what frightens them.
Crimea looks much more attractive among current tourism destinations. This summer the share of Russians who plan to visit the Crimean peninsula has tripled (9% vs 3% in the previous year). The proportion of those who are going to travel to Crimea in a year or two has considerably increased (from 27% in 2014 to 36% in 2015). Those who choose Crimea as summer destination are basically young Russians (59% of persons aged 18 - 24), people with high income (59%), and residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg (52%).
The vacation cost has increased by one-quarter compared to the previous summer season. In 2015, the sum of money Russians are going to spend on vacations makes up 30517 rub, whereas in 2014 the average sum was 23969 rub. (for each family member). Persons who spend more money than others are residents of Moscow and St.Petersubrg (42000 rub.), 25-44-year-old respondents (35833-35650 rub.), and people who graduated from universities (34714 rub.)
Russians are attracted by Crimean landscapes and architecture (25%) and good resorts (23%). Every tenth (11%) likes its climate. Five percent of Russians like the idea that today the Crimean peninsula is part of Russia. Others appreciate low prices (4%) and hospitality of local citizens (2%), etc.
Generally, Crimea looks less threatening. The share of those who are not scared to go there has increased from 42% to 63%. Fewer Russians are worried about the situation in Ukraine than a year ago (10% vs. 19%). A further 10% are afraid to spend too much money. Eight percent of Russians are anxious about long road that may cause inconveniencies.
The VCIOM opinion poll was conducted May 16-17, 2015; 1600 respondents were interviewed in 130 settlements in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.5%.
Are you going to spend this summer vacation in Crimea? (closed-ended question, one answer, %) | ||
| 2014 | 2015 |
Yes, I will go to Crimea this summer | 3 | 9 |
Yes, I will probably go to Crimea next summer of later | 27 | 36 |
No, I will not go to Crimea | 58 | 50 |
Don`t know/ not decided | 12 | 5 |
If you or someone from your family is going to have a vacation this summer, how much money are you going to spend for each member of your family? (open-ended question, one answer, % of those who plan to go to Crimea this summer, average sum in rubles) | ||
| 2014 | 2015 |
Average | 23.969 | 30.517 |
Growth rate |
| 27% |
What attracts you to spending vacation in Crimea? (open-ended question, not more than three answers, %)
| ||
| 2014 | 2015 |
Architecture, landscapes, sightseeing | 27 | 25 |
Sea, resorts | 31 | 23 |
Climate | 20 | 11 |
It is part of Russia (it is nice to hear people speaking Russian; Russian ruble) | 4 | 5 |
I have never been there | 3 | 4 |
Low prices | 3 | 4 |
Memories from childhood; it is interesting to see the changes after the Crimea’s incorporation into Russia | 1 | 2 |
Hospitality, good service | 1 | 2 |
Relatives live there | 1 | 1 |
High quality treatment | 1 | 1 |
Local cuisine, drinks, fruits | 1 | 1 |
Everything | 2 | 1 |
It is easy to reach (“it is close to fly to”; I am afraid of airplanes, I travel by train”, “accessibility”, “easy access”) | – | 1 |
Nothing | 19 | 27 |
Other | 3 | 3 |
Don`t know | 20 | 9 |
What is frightening about Crimea? (open-ended question, not more than three answers, %) | ||
| 2014 | 2015 |
Uneasy atmosphere due to Ukrainian developments | 19 | 10 |
High prices, possible increase of prices, lack of money | 13 | 10 |
Not easy to reach it; far away destination | 3 | 8 |
Low-level infrastructure, poor service | 2 | 3 |
No time, opportunities, poor state of health | 1 | 1 |
Nothing | 43 | 62 |
Other | 1 | 3 |
Don`t know | 21 | 7 |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!