FIFA World Cup 2018: Increase in Flight Searches by Indians Planning Their Trip to Russia, Says Study

Russia is set to be the summer destination of the year for Indians.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is around the corner, and another set of historical football memories will soon be created. The month-long celebration of the beautiful game this time around comes to Russia, where 32 of the best football nations in the world will compete for the coveted FIFA World Cup from 14 June to 15 July. As per a study conducted by travel marketplace ixigo, Russia is set to be the summer destination of the year for Indians.

With more and more Indians planning to spend this summer in the host country, Russia has recorded a 23 per cent month-on-month increase in flight searches from India during the tournament, says the ixigo study.

The growth has been accelerated with favourable initiatives by the government such as visa-free entry for people with World Cup tickets, from 10 days before the first game and up to 10 days after the last game, said a statement.

ixigo data reveals that 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.

With June being one of the best times to visit Russia, travellers are opting to stay for a duration of 8.5-10 days to be a part of the football extravaganza whilst discovering nearby places in the host cities.

“As the excitement for the World Cup continues to build up, more and more people are planning their travel to Russia. We’re expecting a 25% surge in travel bookings over the coming days. Additional discounts by airlines and travel portals such as ixigo, are helping football enthusiasts take their dream trip to Russia for the FIFA World Cup to support their favourite teams,” said Aloke Bajpai, ixigo CEO and Co-founder.

The data also shows that around 73 per cent travellers are planning to travel to Moscow for the opening ceremony at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium which will also host the final, followed by 16 per cent and 4 per cent to St. Petersburg and Rostow respectively.

(With inputs from IANS)