MAKHACHKALA, March 24 – RIA "Dagestan". Over the past five years, tourist flow to Dagestan has surged by 50 - 60 percent, cementing the region's status as one of the country's fastest-growing destinations. The figures were cited by Sergei Romashkin, a board member of the Russian Union of Tourism Industry and Director General of the Delfin tour operator.
According to the top manager, excursion trips – to Derbent, the mountains and waterfalls – show a slight increase of 6-7% based on the results of January, February and the first half of March. However, the beach segment with accommodation on the Caspian Sea coast has decreased by approximately 10%.
The shift may be explained by the reopening of beaches in Anapa, which had remained closed last season, the expert says. "Since Dagestan's sandy coastline resembles the beaches of Anapa, some tourists redirected their travel plans from the Black Sea to the Caspian coast last year. This year, anticipation for Anapa's opening is high and the destination is selling briskly. It is likely that this particular group of travelers has returned to their familiar destination" - Romashkin explained.