"Provides competitive pricing"
Gelendzhik, a popular tourist destination on the Black Sea coast of Russia, may see a decrease in travel costs with the proposed charter flights, as per a recent announcement by Deputy Chair of the State Duma's Tourism Committee, Natalia Kostenko.
On July 21st, TASS reported that Kostenko suggested organising charter flights to Gelendzhik, with the intention of making travel more affordable for tourists. The exact details about the charter flights, such as frequency, airlines involved, and ticket prices, were not specified in the report.
Travel agents can play a crucial role in reducing charter flight costs. By forming groups or coalitions of travelers with similar travel plans, they can fill a chartered aircraft more effectively and lower per-seat costs. Utilising platforms like FlyJets or group travel marketplaces, such as AllFly, can also help secure exclusive group fares or discounted charter flights through partnerships with airlines or charter operators.
Moreover, coordinating with charter brokers or operators who understand Gelendzhik airport logistics can lead to block bookings or return flights with empty legs, which can be sold at reduced prices to travelers going to Gelendzhik. Proper customs, border, and regulatory clearances are also essential to avoid delays and additional costs related to General Aviation operations.
It is important to note that parking costs at Gelendzhik Airport, which range between 300 to 2,000 rubles per hour, are not directly related to the proposed charter flights or the current ticket prices.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the proposed charter flights have been implemented or are still under consideration. The impact of these charter flights on the overall tourism industry in Gelendzhik was not discussed in the report.
Interestingly, the first flight from Moscow to Gelendzhik after the reopening of the airport was fully booked in economy class, with only business class tickets available for 150,000 rubles. Kostenko noted that if travel agents launch a charter to Gelendzhik, it would provide competitive prices for tourists, potentially making vacation packages more affordable.
Despite the current high ticket prices, which are equivalent to a good business class fare, costing 50,000 rubles, the proposal for charter flights aims to bring down these costs, making Gelendzhik more accessible to a wider range of tourists.
Rosaviatsiya reopened Gelendzhik Airport on July 18th, but the airport will not operate international flights. The future of tourism in Gelendzhik seems promising with the proposed charter flights, as they could potentially boost the region's tourism industry and make it a more affordable destination for tourists.
Tourists may find travel to Gelendzhik, a popular tourist destination, more affordable due to the proposed charter flights, as suggested by Natalia Kostenko. Travel agents can help reduce charter flight costs by coordinating groups or using platforms like FlyJets or AllFly to secure exclusive group fares or discounted charter flights.