INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
geopolitical hurdles, the business newspaper Kommersant reported Wednesday, citing travel industry data.Demand for business and tourist
visas to the 29-nation Schengen Zone rose by 35% between January and October compared to the same period in 2023, according to the travel
agency Continent Express.Kommersant reported that the uptick was due to EU consulates in Russia cutting back on multiple-entry visas,
airlines, travelers often take connecting flights through non-EU nations like Turkey to reach their Schengen destinations
Before the war, Russians accounted for a significant portion of Schengen visa recipients worldwide, obtaining between one-fourth and
one-third of all visas issued.Kommersant, citing the travel website OneTwoTrip, reported a 30% increase in flight bookings from Russia to
Europe in September and October, with France, Italy and Spain representing around 17%-18% of bookings each.
