Destination Denmark, but the Russians aren’t coming

Bad relations between the EU and Russia hurting tourism

Poor relations between the EU and Russia are having a negative effect on the number of Russians choosing Denmark as a tourist destination, according to the latest numbers from Danmarks Statistik.

From June 2014 to May 2015, there were 89,000 Russian overnight stays in Denmark – a 20 percent decrease of 22,000 compared to the previous 12 months.

“First and foremost, the economic crisis in Russia is responsible for the problem,” Jens Zimmer Christensen, the head of tourist group Horesta, told DR Nyheder.

“Russian purchasing power has fallen significantly and the development is reinforced by the Russian rouble falling in value against the euro and thus the kroner.”

Big spenders
Developments on foreign exchange markets have made it 30.8 percent more expensive for a Russian to visit Denmark.

Between 2005 and 2013, the number of Russian tourists visiting Denmark tripled. However, that picture changed in 2014.

READ MORE: Tourists looking beyond Copenhagen

Although not one of the larger tourist groups in Denmark, Russians often spend more money than tourists from neighbouring countries.

On average, a Russian tourist spends 2,200 kroner a day while in Denmark.

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