UPDATE: Russian tour firms can lose $100 mln on coronavirus Jan–Mar

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MOSCOW, Jan 30 (PRIME) -- The Russian tourism business can lose about U.S. $100 million in January–March if the situation with coronavirus does not improve in March, Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, said on Thursday.

“According to the estimates of tour operators working on the incoming market from China, Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Amur Region accommodate most of the guests from China. These are visa-free group visits. The summer months account for the peak of orders of tours from China to Russia but they are usually confirmed in March,” Lomidze said.

“The Chinese companies are annulling the orders for accommodation of their groups and clients in Russia… cancellations continue day to day,” she said.

The official said that about 45,000 Chinese tourists were to arrive to Russia in February but will not. The number of tourists expected in March is 50,000, which will result in $40–45 million and $40–50 million losses in February and March correspondingly.

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