Sergey Lee's interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda
Sergey Lee told a KP.RU correspondent about the prospects for resorts in southern Russia and how prices for southern holidays in Russia are changing.
— Last year, sanctions and closed air links once again changed the pattern of domestic tourism. How did LeePrime Group's projects adapt to that? What difficulties did you face in adapting?
Sergey Lee: We did face difficulties, but not in any particular area. They were psychological difficulties. The mood, when at first glance certain contractors or partners had left. But no, everything is fine. Other channels for supplying equipment were found, alternatives were found — and in my view no less good ones, including India, China and Turkey. Yes, there are certain logistical problems, but they are already being resolved, everything is fine. At least in our company everything is running smoothly.
— The south, let's be honest, has always been popular with Russia, with our tourists. Demand has grown accordingly, and it seems to be growing every year, and that inevitably affects prices. How much have prices changed, and in which segments have they changed most?
Sergey Lee: We live in market conditions. If supply is less than demand, the price goes up. But that is on the conscience of my colleagues, each of whom sets pricing in their own way. We know our costs. Everything is rising in price, food and so on. Today it would be possible to adjust pricing a little. But everyone decides that for themselves, how to work from here
— And what prospects do you see for tourism in southern Russia this year? Which growth points will drive it first of all?
Sergey Lee: In the south today, at the same Rosa Khutor resort, more and more accommodation properties with wellness programmes are appearing. First of all, what does that give in terms of hotel occupancy? Seasonal properties become year-round thanks to a range of new offerings such as walking, yoga and Pilates. There are more and more offerings in preventive medicine. And the trend will continue to develop.
— Well, that is one of the questions I wanted to ask you too, because there really is a boom in medical tourism and in demand for health resort properties. And I would like to understand how attractive this niche is now to a potential investor. What forecasts can you give?
Sergey Lee: Well, speaking of medical tourism, roughly a month ago my colleagues and I travelled to India, to Delhi, and took part in a summit devoted precisely to medical tourism, where we signed a cooperation agreement with a major company, Shinon Global — the leader in medical tourism in South-East Asia. They are also interested in presenting our resorts in their region. It seems to me that our new wellness centres and sanatoriums will be well able to compete with the established brands of Thailand, India, China and so on. Our nature is unique — take the same Rosa Khutor resort. And I am not even mentioning the Altai Krai, there are a great many options on offer. One of the projects we are working on now is Medvezhy Ugol. A fairly ambitious property in a very beautiful place with a good location.
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