Russians are the new Germans when it comes to bagging the best sunbeds around the pool and on beaches, a travel company said Wednesday, playing up to a British stereotype of foreign holidaymakers.
"Previously, all us Brits had to contend with were the Germans getting up at the crack of dawn to reserve the best sunbathing positions with their towels," lastminute.com`s British managing director John Bevan said.
"However, the Russians employ a far brasher strategy by flashing their new-found wealth and paying hotel staff to reserve them the best beds -- making them very popular with the hard-working employees."
The Internet travel firm said increasing Russian dominance of prime poolside positions was a result of the collapse of Communism and the rise of the middle classes, who are not averse to splashing their new-found cash.
Turkey, Spain, Italy and Greece were now favoured destinations for Russians, it added, forecasting that tourists from the former Soviet Union would soon outnumber Brits travelling to Egypt.
"Holidaying Brits will have to have their sunbed strategy finalised before departing if they want to come back with a tan," Bevan said.
sections: Society, World News |