Do you want to buy a tour from a trusted company, but have not decided who to entrust your vacation? Introducing the largest tour operators in Russia in 2021. Learn how to spot an impending travel company bankruptcy and how to choose a reliable tour operator.
Tour operator reliability rating
When buying a voucher, we focus on the reliability rating of tour operators in Russia. It shows that the firm is working steadily and fulfilling its obligations. This assessment is carried out on various online resources and is available to all travelers. Although the rating is based on similar criteria, no one gives exact guarantees of the company's reliability.
What determines the trust of travelers in a travel agency? Large tour operators are known to everyone. They work in many directions and provide high financial guarantees. All reliable tour operators in Russia have their own host companies, that is, organizations that provide local recreation. Leading tour operators have contracts with air carriers or their own airlines, as well as a low percentage of tourists who were not satisfied with the services provided.
10 best tour operators in Russia according to travelata.ru:
| Tour operator | Reliability of insurance | % of dissatisfied | Financial guarantees | Overall rating |
| Coral Travel | A ++ / B + | 1,66 | 110 million rubles | 98/100 |
| TUI | A ++ | 1,95 | > 167 million rubles | 98/100 |
| Tez Tour | A ++ | 1,07 | RUB 100 million | 92/100 |
| Sunmar | A ++ / B + / AAA | 4,12 | 110 million rubles | 90/100 |
| AnexTour | AA | 7,25 | RUB 200 million | 90/100 |
| Pegas Touristik | A ++ | 5,62 | RUB 220 million | 88/100 |
| NTK-Intourist | A ++ | 7,14 | 46 million rubles | 88/100 |
| Biblio globus | A ++ | 4,9 | RUB 30 million | 86/100 |
| Mouzenidis Travel | IN | 2,37 | 50 million rubles | 86/100 |
| Vedi TourGroup | A + | 3,18 | RUB 30 million | 82/100 |
The reliability of insurance companies shows how guaranteed insurance payments are. For this, special designations are used: A ++ extremely high rating, A high, B + sufficient.
TOP tour operators in Russia 2021 headed by Coral Travel... The company has been operating since 1992 and is part of the large international holding OTI Holding. She sells tours in 28 destinations and has 20 representative offices in the regions of the country. Coral Travel leases more than 14 aircraft for the charter transport of tourists. The basis for the success of this travel agency is its impeccable reputation among travelers.
TUI - The largest company in Europe and one of the best tour operators in Russia offers trips to 30 destinations for lovers of beach, sightseeing and ski holidays, and owns two sides for passenger transportation. In our country, TUI focuses on unique products that other tour operators do not have.
Tez Tour - has existed since 1994 and operates in 20 areas. One of the largest tour operators in Russia is a member of international travel organizations and associations. The holding employs over 5,000 people.
Sunmar started serving tourists in 2005. The company has a developed agent network and unites 290 representative offices under one brand. It sells tours to 14 destinations and has agreements with 26 airlines.
Anex Tour traces its history since 1996, specializes in international tourism and serves 32 destinations. The tour operator has its own airline.
Pegas Touristik was founded in 1994. One of the leaders of the Russian travel industry sells tours to 22 destinations and has agreements with nine air carriers.
NTK-Intourist - the oldest Russian tour operator, which was founded in 1929. The company operates in 23 directions and provides a good rest for lovers of the warm sea, beaches, excursions and skiing.
Biblio globus has existed since 1994. A popular company is a recognized leader in terms of the number of destinations. It sells tours to 53 countries of the world, cooperates with 7 airlines and offers flights from 23 cities of Russia. Unusual packages include shopping tours and cruises.
Mouzenidis Travel was founded in 1995 and is a leader in tours to Greece. In addition to this country, the company sells tours to popular ski resorts in Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Cyprus, Hungary and Italy. A reliable tour operator owns its own airline.
Vedi Tour Group - is a diversified operator that was established in 1992. The company carries tourists to 20 countries of the world and cooperates with 9 air carriers.
Bankruptcy and closure of tour operators
Cases with the closure of tour operators are on everyone's lips. The first wave of bankruptcies occurred in 2014. Then, at the height of the summer market season, more than 15 travel agencies left, and tens of thousands of tourists were left without rest and money. Then there was some lull, but in 2018 another 7 tour operators were closed or are on the verge of bankruptcy.
Which company will be next? There is no exact answer to this question. In order to predict future troubles, you need to process a very large amount of information: flight congestion, debts to hotels, banks and air carriers, quality of service, timely payments to employees, etc.
What threatens the closure of the company when tourists have already bought a tour? According to the law, the liability of the tour operator is insured, so contact the insurer of the bankrupt company. Upon the occurrence of an insured event, you will be paid the cost of paid, but not received services. If there is not enough money for all the tourists, payments will be made proportionally.
What to do when bankruptcy has occurred and tourists are on vacation? In this case, you need to contact the Federal Tourism Agency or the Association "Tourist assistance". These organizations use their own and attracted funds to help everyone who finds themselves in a difficult situation. Another option is to pay for the return to your homeland on your own and then deal with the recovery of damage from the insurance company of the tour operator.
Advice: Any compensation is possible only if you have all the supporting documents on hand: contracts, tickets, checks and receipts of payment.
How to check a tour operator for reliability
How to choose a reliable tour operator
Buying a tour is a responsible business, because the quality and safety of your vacation depends on the right choice. The trust of tourists is caused by large tour operators and companies recommended by friends and acquaintances. Contact travel agencies that have a large amount of financial guarantees. This is real bankruptcy insurance.
What should be alarming:
- the tour operator is not included in large international networks;
- no own hotels;
- uses the services of dubious insurance companies;
- offers big discounts of 8-12%, that is, it dumps prices.
Tourist tips when buying a tour:
- To hedge against possible bankruptcy, cancel early booking.
- Purchase vouchers from trusted agencies that do not belong to a specific tour operator. Such firms constantly monitor the travel market and cooperate only with reliable companies.
- Check out the latest press about the tour operator. Pay attention to the publications about his financial problems.
