eDreams expands into Russia
Online travel agency eDreams has launched a website in Russia to give it a presence across five continents.
The firm said Russia has the largest online population in Europe, with over 77 million users, and it is growing 50% a year.
Latest estimates show that the total Russian travel market is worth over £43 billion, meaning it accounts for 60% of the total travel market in Eastern Europe.
Of this, the online travel industry in Russia makes up £6.1 billion.
Pablo de Pocioles, eDreams director of business development, said: "Internet penetration in Russia is at 55% and growing at an unstoppable rate that is much higher than other countries. So this opening is a huge opportunity for us."
It will market flights, hotels, packages and car hire, all tailored to the specific needs of the Russian market.
"We want to play a leading role in the Russian market right from the start, so we’ve thrown ourselves into having the largest selection of trips at the best prices, without sacrificing quality of service," said de Pocioles.
"That’s why we have made a significant investment in technology and staff, which have been completely tailored to the tastes and trends of the new market."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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