Natural disasters in Dagestan have sharply reduced tourist traffic

Massive flooding has led to a significant decline in tourism in Dagestan. Amid reports of an impending third wave of rain, Russians have cancelled a quarter of their previously purchased tours for the May holidays.

Tour operators are reporting a significant drop in sales of travel packages to Dagestan: the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) has recorded a 40% decline over the past week, while the Alliance of Russian Travel Agencies (ATOR) has seen sales fall by up to 70%.

Overall interest in the region has fallen by 27% compared to a previously predicted 7% increase. As a result, due to the devastating downpours and hurricanes, almost a third of tourists will not be able to reach Dagestan.

Due to the massive flooding in Dagestan, a state of emergency has been declared at the regional level. This status is expected to be upgraded to a nationwide one soon. According to preliminary data, over 6,000 homes were damaged, including apartment buildings in Makhachkala, Buynaksk, and Derbent.

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