Survey Highlights How Hotel Operators Respond to Airport Restrictions
A recent survey reveals that a large share of hoteliers in regions facing ongoing airport operation restrictions have begun lowering room and meal prices to attract the influx of travelers. The study, conducted by the Ostrovok.Ru online booking platform and shared with Socialbites.ca, provides a snapshot of pricing strategies and occupancy trends across several affected areas.
Pricing adjustments vary among hoteliers. Approximately one third of respondents trimmed rates by 5 to 10 percent, while more than half reduced prices by 10 to 30 percent. A smaller portion, 5 percent, implemented cuts in the 30 to 50 percent range, and around 7 percent have taken pricing a step further by reducing costs more than two times during the period under review. These adjustments appear aimed at maintaining competitiveness amid slower demand in some markets and a temporary shift in tourist flows as air travel is constrained.
Beyond discounting, hoteliers have turned to promotions and targeted offers as a means to draw travelers. After airports were closed or limited, 36 percent of hoteliers increased their promotion activity, and 34 percent did the same for value-added packages. Local residents also became a focal point, with about 15 percent of properties rolling out occupancy incentives specifically for nearby residents. In certain instances, transfers from the nearest operational airport to hotel guests became part of the hospitality package, with 9 percent of respondents offering this service to travelers.
Occupancy data reflects a mixed picture. Half of the respondents reported a drop in hotel occupancy following the airport shutdowns. Within this group, 37 percent noted a steep decline in bookings exceeding 20 percent. Conversely, a separate segment of hoteliers, particularly those in southern destinations, reported no noticeable change in occupancy levels. A quarter of respondents observed an uptick in bookings, signaling that domestic travel patterns or alternative transport routes may have offset some of the lost air traffic in certain regions.
The insights come from a survey conducted in August 2023, with participation from more than 150 hotel representatives spanning multiple regions. Participating locations included Krasnodar Territory, Belgorod, Voronezh, Lipetsk, Rostov regions, and the Republic of Crimea, an area subject to ongoing travel restrictions during the period assessed. These regional pockets illustrate how hoteliers adapt to shifting travel availability and the evolving landscape of regional tourism dynamics, including the impact of flight limitations on visitor demand and revenue management strategies.
Overall, the findings highlight a pragmatic approach by hoteliers as they navigate restricted aviation access. Price reductions, strategic promotions, local market targeting, and service enhancements collectively contribute to sustaining occupancy and revenue streams while markets adjust to the constraints on air travel. As airport operations return to normal or continue to evolve, hospitality providers are likely to refine their tactics, balancing price sensitivity with value-added offerings to capture demand from both core travelers and new visitor segments.
Previous reports confirm that restrictions on a number of Russian airports were in effect during the period covered by the survey, reinforcing the context in which these hotelier responses occurred. The survey underscores the resilience of regional tourism and the industry’s adaptability in the face of transport disruptions, with hotel operators recalibrating pricing and promotions to align with changing travel patterns and consumer expectations.