Goa has emerged as a favourite destination for Russian tourists in the South Asian region with 490 charter flights landing at Dabolim between October and January this year bringing in 1,19,447 Russian tourists, according to Russian Information Centre (RIC).

With the season ending in May, the number of Russians visiting Goa is expected to be more than last season when 755 charter flights from Russia had landed in Goa bringing 1,57,605 tourists. At present charters from Russia have the largest share in total foreign charter arrivals in Goa.

More Russian women than men are visiting Goa as charter tourists, and 70% are below the age of 35. According to data provided by the RIC in Goa, women comprise 60% of Russian tourists visiting the state, while men account for 40%. A majority of the women, 53%, are in the 28-35 age-group, while 17% are aged between 18 and 28 years. Only 12% are over 45. Around 30% are repeat visitors.

Ekaterina Belyakova, head of RIC, says, "In the 2013-2014 (current) season we noticed a rise in the number of Russian tourists coming with children and those who come to Goa especially for practicing in yoga and ayurveda. We also noticed that more and more tourists now prefer to book their accommodation, mostly hotels and villas, on their own, either online or right after reaching Goa; before it was most often included in the package."

Besides ayurveda and yoga, what do they do when in Goa? According to Belyakova, they like to swim in the ocean and spend time at the beach, eat exotic fruits and have fresh fruit juices, go sightseeing with tour guides, shop, try seafood and local cuisine, explore Goa's beaches on their own on motorbikes, enjoy parties and clubs, participate in and photograph colourful festivals.

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