Within the framework of the Eastern Economic Forum, they discussed how the directions of business tourism have changed – an indicator that reflects the interest of business and shows priority countries for cooperation. The Aeroclub Group of Companies found out in which areas the BRICS countries are strengthening relations, based on statistics on business trips and industries of business tourists.
In 2024, Russia assumed the BRICS presidency, which served as a powerful impetus for the development of cooperation between the countries of the bloc, covering a wide variety of areas – from energy to IT technologies.
In this context, the sharp increase in the number of business trips attracts special attention. According to Aeroclub, the demand for business trips between Russia and the BRICS countries increased 5 times in 2024.
The average cost of a flight has changed slightly: from 59,122 rubles in 2022 to 63,695 rubles in 2024, which does not affect demand.
Among the BRICS countries, China is particularly distinguished, which leads both in terms of the number of business travelers and the growth rate of business interest. If in 2022 the number of business trips to this country was only 5% of the total volume for the BRICS countries, then in 2023 this figure soared to 54%, and in the first half of 2024, the experts of the Aero Club already record an excess of the figures for the whole of 2023.
The UAE is also showing a continuous increase in interest: the demand for business trips there increased by 41% in 2023 and by 8% in 2024.
India is also increasing its attractiveness for business tourists from Russia and in 2024 retains its position in the top three. The number of business trips to India increased by 72% in 2024.
Brazil, another key country in the bloc, is showing significant growth: the number of business trips in 2023 increased by 137%, and in the first half of 2024 the growth was 85% compared to the same period in 2023.
At the same time, ties in specific industries are being actively strengthened. The oil and gas industry and energy have become the main areas of cooperation between Russia and the BRICS countries, especially with China, where the demand for business trips in this area has increased by 229%.
IT companies are actively exploring the UAE and China markets: The demand for business trips to the UAE in 2023 increased by 141%, and to China – more than doubled. This year, the trend continues.
In addition, the UAE is becoming an increasingly popular destination for representatives of the medical and pharmaceutical industries, whose demand for business trips has been growing by 90% over the past two years.
Russian companies working in the field of sales of consumer goods (FMCG) are also demonstrating an active increase in cooperation with the BRICS countries. Business trips from Russia to China in this industry increased by 286%, to the UAE – by 350%, to India – by 200%, to Brazil – by 100% in 2024.
Cooperation between the scientific communities of Russia and the BRICS countries is also developing, while China remains the leader in the number of business trips with an increase of 310% in 2024. India is also showing a significant increase in interest in the scientific field, by 181% this year, and the demand for trips to India has increased by 54%.
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