MOSCOW, November 17. /TASS/. The number of Russian tourists who plan to travel domestically during the upcoming holiday season, has grown by five to seven percent compared to last year, Executive Director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, Maia Lomidze said at a press conference on Thursday.

“We have recorded a five to seven percent growth. However, tourism in Russia has its own peculiarities as most tourist are used to purchase package tours two to three weeks before the holidays begin. The situation may change by mid-December,” Lomidze said.

“As for the domestic guided tours, most tourists are interested in Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Golden Ring cities, Kazan, the cities of the Central Federal District, the Tula region, Ryazan region and Kaluga region,” she noted adding that “every destination has shown slight growth.”

At the same time, in her words, “three to five-day trips, starting on the first days on January and after Christmas, are still most popular. Family recreation is popular as well, provided that the relevant tours include various interactive programs for children and adults.”

“Despite the fact that guided tours prices have went up by 10-15% due to growing inflation and gas prices, the demand is higher than it was last year,” Lomidze noted.