More Indians eyeing Russian holiday

More and more Indians are evincing interest in travelling to World Cup host country Russia. The Under 17 FIFA World Cup in India has done its bit to raise interest in watching the game live. Travel portals are seeing heightened interest in Russia as a football-linked holiday destination.

According to ixigo, Russia has recorded 23 per cent month-on-month increase in flight searches from India during the tournament. The growth has been accelerated by favourable initiatives such as visa-free entry for people with World Cup tickets, for a defined period. Expedia says bookings have gone up by 35 per cent. Bookings for places such as Samara, Sochi, St Petersburg and Moscow, which will hold matches, have been heavy.

ixigo says 48 per cent Indians travelling during the tournament are planning to travel solo, followed by 16 per cent with families and 12 per cent as couples. Travellers are opting to stay for 8-10 days.