The Orenburg Regional Court has begun hearing the state prosecution's appeal in the 6-million-ruble bribe case involving former senator Rauf Arashukov. The prosecution is seeking to increase the fine for the former official, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, from 120 million to 420 million rubles.
According to analysts at Sutochno.ru, interest in Russian ski resorts has increased by 20% compared to last year. Resorts in the North Caucasus are particularly popular: Arkhyz and Dombay in Karachay-Cherkessia, as well as Elbrus in Kabardino-Balkaria, are among the top ten most popular destinations with the largest growth.
The largest number of bookings are for Krasnaya Polyana (Esto-Sadok), Sheregesh (Kemerovo Region), and Kirovsk (Murmansk Region).
Along with the increase in popularity, the average rental price at these resorts has also increased: in Arkhyz, it was 11,540 rubles per night (13% more than last year), in Elbrus, it was 9,686 rubles (up 8%), and in Dombay, it was 9,986 rubles (up 4%). Analysts also note a trend: travelers are increasingly opting to rent private accommodation, seeking houses and apartments in close proximity to ski lifts.