Egypt has topped the list of favorable tourist destinations for Russian tourists reflecting strength of relations between Egypt and Russia, member of the Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF) Hossam Hazaa said Tuesday.

The ETF member said in statements to "Good Morning Egypt Program" that the hotel occupancy rates have witnessed a remarkable increase of tourists from different nationalities in particular the Russians, during the New Year celebrations.

He added that Russians prefer Egypt as a tourist destination due to its moderate winter weather, premium tourism services as well as the direct flights between the two countries.

Most Russians prefer beach vacations, particularly in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and South Sinai, Hazaa said.

Egypt topped the list of tourist destinations for Russians during the New Year holiday, surpassing popular destinations for Russian tourists including the UAE, Turkey and Thailand, Hazaa added.

A study conducted by several institutions, including the Russian Insurance Company Rosgosstrakh, revealed that 32 percent of Russian tourists preferred to spend their New Year holiday in Egypt.

The UAE came in the second place with 16 percent of Russian tourists preferring it for the new Year holiday, followed by Thailand in third place with 14 percent, the study showed.

MENA