Where to spend your holidays in 2015? Where to expect discounts and special offers? And what to do if there is no money, but you want to relax?
The depreciation of the ruble forced many to reconsider their vacation plans, but the market tourism services it's too early to bury. Due to the depreciation of the ruble, demand is redistributed in favor of domestic tourism, - says Sergey Shpilko, chairman of the Moscow Tourism Committee.
fresh horizons
If we talk about the foreign direction, then the structure of priorities will be preserved. The leading positions will remain the directions most accessible to the middle class - Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Thailand, border Finland, China - in general, the directions most accessible to the middle class, which forms mass outbound tourist flows. Obviously, the demand for tourist trips will decrease as long as the demand for travel is highly dependent on prices and incomes, or, as economists say, highly elastic items of the consumer budget of the population, explains the chairman of the Moscow Committee for Tourism and Hotel Industry. - Plus, for foreign tours, it will be reduced until their cost becomes more competitive for Russians compared to trips within their own country. And this, in addition to the exchange rate, depends on the dynamics of prices for Russian vouchers, passenger transportation services within the country and on how long the supply of domestic high-quality tourist products lasts in the high season, in particular, the resource of high-quality hotel rooms.
So far, the domestic market is winning, and here it is possible to achieve real results in terms of import substitution of tourist services. But how things will go further will become clear at the end of this year, and much here will depend on whether the state manages to support the domestic hospitality industry, Shpilko notes.
Victims of propaganda
Another obvious trend is the redistribution of demand in favor of independent travel:
This is happening for many reasons: online booking opportunities are expanding, tourists themselves are becoming more experienced travelers, the number of destinations for discount airlines is growing. Therefore, border statistics show a smaller drop in the number of tourist trips than the data of tour operators. This, in fact, is the main challenge for the modern tourism industry, to which the most technologically advanced and energetic players in the tourism market will undoubtedly find a worthy answer. Moreover, on mass charter destinations, it is impossible to independently form a tour at a price lower than the tour operator's without a serious loss in the quality of service in most cases today, - says the expert.
In the meantime, for the most part, domestic tour operators of international destinations suffer heavy financial losses, which has already led to a series of bankruptcies of companies involved in outbound tourism:
It is important that the next amendments to the Federal Law "On the basics of tourism activities in Russian Federation”, which are under consideration in the State Duma, have not finished off this segment of the tourist market completely. But it is not easy for companies that receive foreign tourists, and not so much because of themselves, but because of the anti-Russian hysteria in the American and European media, Shpilko says. - It is from these countries that tourist flows are still decreasing, which, however, are partially offset by an increase in arrivals from countries less dependent on. In particular, from countries that have a visa-free or simplified visa with Russia visa regime. For example, the number of international arrivals from Israel and Turkey to Moscow increased by 9% this year, and from the now visa-free South Korea- more than 40%. So the intrigue of the inbound market this year is how much economic considerations in the sense of benefit from the depreciation of the ruble in the minds of foreign tourists will outweigh ideological clichés.
A new generation of tourism products
Changes in the conjuncture of demand entail changes in the structure of tour operator activities:
Leading tour operators of outbound and inbound tourism are entering the domestic market with their own technologies and agency networks. And where there are appropriate resources, a new generation of tourist products is being created, which the consumer himself cannot form online at a price, but which allows them to take into account their individual wishes more. This is a kind of individual tourism at group rates. Such tours, for example, were offered to Moscow on New Year and Christmas. They started from 4 thousand per weekend with accommodation in business class hotels. And thanks to the new components of the tourist service that have appeared in recent years, such as regular routes to double-decker buses, winter navigation along the Moskva River on icebreaker-class motor ships, guest cards, not to mention free museums, pedestrian zones and a luxurious program of festive events, they made it possible to present the capital in a completely different way on the tourist market, - sums up the chairman of the Committee for Tourism and Hotel Industry Moscow.
Now special offers for the weekend and holidays to Moscow will become one of the "chips" of this year, especially since they are perfectly combined with visits to the Moscow region, the Golden Ring, St. Petersburg, Sochi at the appropriate prices, and are very profitable in transit when traveling abroad.
culture
If you're tired of vacationing in the same place and you want to change something in 2015, then the list proposed by National Geographic may interest you.
The world famous magazine has chosen 20 destinations that will appeal to travelers and just those who dream of an unforgettable vacation.
The list includes places from all over the world, as well as a special place chosen by the readers of the magazine. We have selected the most interesting destinations worth visiting at least once in your life.
Holidays in 2015
Tunisia, Tunisia
After a turbulent time, the capital of Tunisia is once again becoming popular place among tourists. In the thriving area of Beers Hill, you can watch a beautiful sunset over the water.
Located on mediterranean coast, Old city Tunisia is an object world heritage, filled with hundreds of monuments, including the Great Mosque or the Zitouna Mosque.
Wakayama Prefecture, Mount Koya-san, Japan
On this mountain you can find many temples and Buddhist monasteries. The very first temple here was founded in 819 by the Buddhist monk Kukai. Now in the valley at an altitude of 800 meters you can find about a hundred monasteries. On the mountain you can find famous temples and monasteries, such as:
Okuno-in, Kukai Mausoleum
Compon-daito, a pagoda part of the Garan complex
Kongobu-ji, the head temple of the Shingon school.
Sark, Channel Islands
You will not find a single car on the island - they are simply prohibited. But you can move around on bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Some residents use tractors.
In general, the use of motorized vehicles is allowed only for pensioners and the disabled.
It is worth noting that the island consists of 2 parts - Big and Small Sark. Both parts are connected by a narrow rocky isthmus called La Coupé. A narrow bridge 2 meters wide is laid along its top.
Time goes very slowly here. Usually people come here to visit the caves near the sea or swim.
Holidays at sea in 2015
Corsica
Most of the tourists (and about 3 million of them arrive annually) come here for the sake of beautiful beaches and water activities including diving.
Corsica is home to 300,000 people. This is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and has historical ties to France dating back to 1769.
Among other attractions, it is worth mentioning the visit to Napoleon's house (Casa Buonaparte) and the mountainous areas that have remained untouched.
In the period May-June and September-October people come here to walk, ride horses and bicycles. In July and August it is good to relax on the beaches and practice water sports sports.
Port Antonio, Jamaica
Tourism is one of the main economic points of this city. Here you can relax on the beaches of the Blue Lagoon (a deep 200-meter hole filled with water) and Dragon Bay, as well as visit the island of Navy, where the remains of the base of the British fleet dating back to the 18th century are located.
It is worth noting that the island is also known for filming, which was carried out here by Hollywood specialists. "Lord of the Flies" is one of the films that was filmed on the island.
You can also relax here Bay Resort View Eco Resort, which is located on a former coconut plantation.
Where to go in the summer of 2015
Hyderabad, India
This city is distinguished by the large Mecca Masjid, built in the 18th century on the model of the famous mosque in Mecca. Here you can also see the triumphal gates of Char Minar, also known as the Arc de Triomphe of the East.
It is worth noting that the Golconda Fort, located on a high hill, became famous for its unique water supply system. He is also known for his light show, accompanied by comments in English,which can be seen every evening.
In Hyderabad, you can visit the cinema, which boasts the world's largest IMAX 3D screen.
Medellin, Colombia
In Medellin is the "city of Botero", which was named after the famous native of the city - the sculptor Fernando Botero.
If you walk around the city, then on an area of more than 30,000 square meters. meters you can find a museum, sculpture park Botero, art galleries, as well as studios for artists and recreation areas.
According to the sculptor, the main idea of this project is to present Medellin to the world as a cultural and art center, thereby overshadowing the information that he is the birthplace of the leader of the local cartel, Escobar.
In addition, the city is known for its "Flower Fair" (Feria de las Flores), which takes place once a year and is a great event in its cultural life.
Here you can visit the Museum of Science Parque Explora with its interactive science exhibits, as well as the largest freshwater aquarium in South America, the Explora Aquarium.
Haida Guai
This archipelago is located off the northwest coast of British Columbia (a province in Canada). It consists of 2 main islands - Graham in the northern part and Moresby in the south. In addition, the archipelago includes about 150 small islands.
The most fascinating thing about these places is peace and quiet. Here, in the bowels of the earth, scientists have found evidence that people lived on the archipelago 12,000 years ago.
The best time to visit here is May-September. It is at this time that you can find open a large number of restaurants and cafes, and you can also take various tours around the island and participate in various cultural events.
It is also worth noting that during the period October-May here is the surfing season.
Winter holidays in 2015
Zermatt, Switzerland
This commune is swiss alps boasts no cars. Every year this place is visited by more than a million tourists and all thanks to the incredible views, as well as the opportunity to ski and climb rocks.
But it is worth noting that the cost of accommodation in hotels in this village is the highest in Switzerland.
You can ski here all year round.
In April takes place music Festival, and in August a food festival.
Where to spend the New Year
Mye (Islands), Myanmar (Burma)
The archipelago includes more than 800 islands. Coastline indented with cliffs, beaches and mangroves.
Here you can find hundreds of pristine white sand beaches and dense jungle. Klaus Reisinger, one of the directors of the documentary called "Burma's Forbidden Islands" (Forbidden Islands of Burma), called this place "the last paradise on Earth."
Among the representatives of the fauna here you can find lizards, sea eagles and crabeater monkeys.
From November to April there is a sailing season (calm waters, sunny skies). From mid-December to mid-January is the peak season here, and from March to April, diving is practiced here (light winds and clearer water).
Faroe islands
The Faroe Islands are a group of islands located in the northern part of Atlantic Ocean more specifically between Scotland and Iceland.
In total, the archipelago consists of 18 islands - of which 17 are inhabited.
Some of the attractions include:
Fugloy Island(translated as "Bird Island") - the name speaks for itself - the 450-meter cliffs of the island in Eistfelli, as well as the 620-meter cliffs in Klubbin, are famous for their multi-million colonies of sea birds.
Tretlekonufingur(translated as "Finger of the Troll Woman") is famous for its beautiful sea rock.
Sandoy Island- famous sand dunes. There are also terraces on which the lakes Noroara-Khalsavatn and Heimara-Khalsavatn lie. There is also a church that boasts rich history dating back to the 11th century.
norurlandahusi is a building with a roof covered with peat, plays the role of theater, conference hall, concert and exhibition hall. In addition, there are numerous exhibitions and expositions. On summer nights, "Faroese Evenings for Tourists" are held here.
Every working person looks forward to a vacation. To comfortably relax, recuperate, compensate for the psychological costs of work by the sea, beaches and simple "doing nothing". And if earlier the most popular question was - where to relax, then in the light of the crisis it has become more appropriate - where to do it inexpensively.
Inexpensive holidays abroad for the family in 2015 - countries for cheap family holidays
To begin with, you should pay attention to last-minute tours, pre-booking (several months in advance), vacations in “family” hotels (you can save a lot), as well as Bus tours(several countries at once with minimal costs). In a word, there would be a desire, but there are options.
And now in more detail - where to go in 2015, so that it is inexpensive and interesting?
- Tunisia
Attractive prices for holidays, more or less stable environment. It is worth seeing the Roman ruins in the north of the country, relaxing near the sea, taking pictures at the Star Wars filming location.
- South Africa
Prices are affordable, and the rest itself is inexpensive, regardless of the time of year. You can find something for yourself with any budget - visit free museums (there are many of them), plunge into the beauty of wildlife, relax in seaside cafes. The best time rest (minimum tourists + excellent weather) - spring and autumn.
- Shanghai
If you're on a budget, this is a great option. Low hotel prices, cheap food, huge portions for almost a penny, as well as walks in a rapidly changing metropolis and a lot of new experiences.
- Samoa
Minus - not the shortest and easiest way. Pros: tropical paradise, idyllic beaches, living in huts (practically Robinson Crusoe), cheap food, markets with "penny" but amazingly beautiful souvenirs.
- Bali
It offers travelers cheap bungalows, tasty and inexpensive food, low transport costs. There is no need to talk about spa treatments - high quality, cheap, professional.
- Uruguay
Here you can save a lot and enjoy delicious steaks, calm beaches and unforgettable excursions.
- Portugal
Compared to others resort areas Europe, here the lowest prices. An excellent region (for example, the Algarve) to enjoy a beach holiday. Lisbon and Barcelona will not disappoint.
- Taiwan
This trip will save you more money than traveling to Tokyo or Hong Kong. Tourists are offered hostels and guest houses, as well as campsites in the forests of the island. Cheap tickets for railway routes, a large wallet for the tour is also not needed. Delicious food (both in a restaurant and in a street eatery) is cheaper than in Europe, and the positive emotions from the rest are over the edge.
- Romania
Pros: low-cost flights to Europe, the choice of accommodation - for every taste and budget, inexpensive ferries from which you can see castles and old villages, the Danube Delta.
- Burkina Faso
A West African gem with friendly people, colorful markets, mountain ranges, diversity wildlife and more than affordable prices.
- Greece
In this country of olive groves, you don’t have to take a fat, fat credit card with you either. Here you can have an inexpensive and very high-quality rest, enjoying the beauty of the homeland of the Olympic Games, visiting Mount Athos and monasteries, amazingly delicious national dishes and the famous Greek wine.
- Bulgaria
Almost synonymous with cheap holidays. Pros of the sea: perfect beaches, the goodwill of the close Slavic people, the democratic prices "for everything." How to entertain children and adults - in this country there is plenty.
Beach holidays for the family in 2015 - where will we go to the sea in a crisis?
A crisis is a crisis, and a beach vacation is on schedule.
Where can you rush with the whole family in 2015, taking into account "to make it cheaper"?
- Italy
2 week itinerary visiting Venice and Rome, Genoa and Florence, unforgettable beach holiday, cozy towns, affordable prices.
- Bus tour of European capitals(5-7 countries)
A short tour with excursions, a lot of impressions. Particular attention is paid to the Baltic countries with sandy beaches and medical procedures (Pärnu, Palanga, Druskininkai, Saarema Island, etc.), on the cobbled streets of Latvia and Lithuania, medieval castles, national dishes in taverns.
- Scandinavia
Non-fatiguing and pleasant tours, ideal for family vacation. From Helsinki to Copenhagen. A sea of entertainment, cozy streets, delicious and high-quality food.
- Do not forget about Turkey and Egypt - record holders for inexpensive holidays
Here you have "all inclusive", and the warm sea, and impressions, and cost savings.
- Thailand
If you go there with your family in the middle of winter, then all the delights of the country can be appreciated without harming the nervous system (there are few tourists in winter) and for the wallet (winter is the season of discounts).
- India
Tourists are simply attracted here like a magnet. Because there is a lot of entertainment, there is no shortage in the variety of recreation, prices are low, the beaches are first-class.
- Vietnam
Also relatively inexpensive vacation for lovers sandy beaches, sun, surfing, fantastically delicious (and equally original) cuisine, coral reefs and diving.
Due to the well-known economic situation in our country, the usual resort destinations have changed somewhat in the new year. Tour operators offer the best solution - to relax in Russia, and also talk about the best resorts that have so far been undeservedly deprived of the attention of citizens.
Abkhazia offers a wonderful holiday on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. The most convenient way to Abkhazia for Russian tourists lies through the Adler district of the city of Sochi - just a couple of extra hours on the way, and you find yourself in a zone of almost ideal climate. Depending on the resort, you can just relax and really improve your health. It is in Abkhazia that the once iconic resort of Gagra is located - one of the most picturesque places in the country. The holiday season lasts from May to October, but if you are not interested in a beach holiday, but visiting historical monuments, then Abkhazia can be visited at any time. Capital Sukhum, New Athos, as well as the mentioned Gagra - the cities richest in architectural and historical delights. The legendary Lake Ritsa in New Athos is considered one of the cleanest lakes on earth.
rest in Crimea will also surprise you with the variety. A typical beach holiday here is compatible with cultural pastimes and even club parties. It all depends on the particular resort and your choice. In general, Crimea is called Russian California - it has an extremely favorable stable climate and surprisingly clean air. The landscapes of Crimea are absolutely amazing. This is where filmmakers usually shoot views of the French Riviera. Among the most popular resorts Koktebel, Alupka and Yalta.
For those who would like to go on vacation without fail abroad or have prejudices about traditional Russian resorts, tour operators offer Eastern European destinations. In particular, Montenegro, Croatia and Romania. The richest natural attractions in these countries are combined with impressive ancient architecture. It is best to relax with children in Montenegro. The beaches and hotels of this country are perfectly prepared to receive young tourists. Croatia offers huge parks and nature reserves which are easily accessible from any city. As for Romania, apart from Black Sea coast here you can find real fragments of the Middle Ages, see impressive old castles and raft on a ferry along the Danube Delta.
Also, tour operators report that every year the popularity among Russian tourists of countries South America. Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil are the key countries in this direction. Rest in them will not be so budgetary, but the experience will bring truly unforgettable.
TV channel "360" recalled the most memorable events of the year.
2015 is coming to an end: a lot of events have happened in 365 days. Some of them were forgotten immediately, others are discussed for months. TV channel "360" decided to recall the most memorable and important events of the outgoing year.
JANUARY
The treaty on the creation of the EAEU came into force
On January 1, 2015, the treaty establishing the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) came into force. Its members are Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia. The EAEU pursues a unified policy in the sectors of the economy, and ensures the freedom of movement of capital, goods and services. The Union was created to modernize and increase the competitiveness of the economies of the member countries and create conditions for improving the living standards of their population.
"Leviathan" left without "Oscar"
The focus of public attention in January was the film directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev "Leviathan". The film about corruption and the problems of the Russian hinterland might not have been noticed, but the tape was nominated for an Oscar. Only the lazy and the dumb kept silent about Leviathan. "Oscar" in the end went to the Polish "Ida". But on January 12, Zvyagintsev's film won the Golden Globe in the Best Foreign Language Film nomination.
On January 28, at the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a resolution was adopted to suspend the right of the Russian delegation to vote and be represented in the PACE bureau and committees until April 2015. Russian representatives immediately reacted to this step. The head of the Russian delegation, Alexei Pushkov, said that the country would stop participating in the assembly until the end of 2015, explaining that interaction with European countries was impossible under sanctions. At the end of this year, restrictive measures against the Russian Federation were again extended, so it remains unknown whether Russia will return to PACE in the coming year.
The Russian Federation has been represented in the Parliamentary Assembly since 1996: then the country became a member of the Council of Europe. Russia has ratified more than 50 conventions of the international organization, including those on human rights, the fight against terrorism and crime, legal cooperation, and has pledged to bring its political system and legislation in line with European standards.
FEBRUARY
Minsk agreements signed
On February 12, the Normandy Four negotiations ended. Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed ways to resolve the armed conflict in the Donetsk and Luhansk republics for 16 hours. As a result of the negotiations, the second Minsk agreements were signed.
According to the document, which everyone agreed to comply with, at 00:00 on February 15, a ceasefire was to begin in the DPR and LPR. Both sides promised to withdraw heavy weapons within 14 days. And Ukraine had to carry out a constitutional reform and legally recognize the special status of certain regions of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions before the end of 2015.
Boris Nemtsov was shot dead in the center of Moscow
On February 27, at about 11:31 p.m., well-known politician Boris Nemtsov was killed. He was attacked in the very center of Moscow: the killers shot the politician in the back on the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge near Vasilyevsky Spusk. The organizer of the murder, according to the testimony of the detained perpetrators, was Ruslan Mukhudinov, an officer of the Sever battalion. The investigation suspects that Mukhudinov promised the defendants 25 million rubles for the death of a politician. The motive for the murder remains unknown.
MARCH
Russians banned from traveling to Ukraine internal passports
Since March 1, Russians have been banned from traveling to Ukraine with internal passports. Now citizens of the Russian Federation can enter the country with a foreign passport, service passport, diplomatic passport, flight certificate of an aircraft crew member or sailor's passport. Ukraine has decided on new rules in unilaterally. According to Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, they were introduced to strengthen control at the border between countries and "introduce European rules for crossing the state border, including by citizens of the Russian Federation."
Russia withdrew from the CFE Treaty
On March 11, the Russian Federation withdrew from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and suspended participation in the meetings of the Joint Consultative Group (JCG). Russia asked Belarus to represent its interests in the JCG. According to the head of the Russian delegation at the talks in Vienna on military security and arms control, Anton Mazur, this step did not mean that the Russian Federation was abandoning the dialogue on conventional arms control in Europe (COVE).
The dialogue on the future of KOVE was stopped back in 2011 at the initiative of the NATO countries. According to Mazur, participation in the endless meetings of the JCG has become senseless for the Russian Federation from a political point of view and costly from an economic point of view.
The CFE Treaty was signed in 1990, the document entered into force in 1992. Initially, the treaty was signed by 16 NATO countries and six Warsaw Pact member states. The CFE Treaty limited the size of armed forces and determined the number of weapons that countries could deploy in Europe.
Soyuz took cosmonauts to the ISS for a year
On March 27, the Soyuz manned spacecraft departed from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to the International Space Station (ISS). He delivered three cosmonauts to the ISS: Russians Gennady Padalka and Mikhail Kornienko and NASA astronaut Scott Kelly. The crew will conduct about 50 experiments in orbit.
Kelly and Kornienko will live in orbit for a year. A special role in the mission is assigned to the American astronaut: using his example, scientists will study the negative impact of space on human genes. Kelly's twin brother, who remained on Earth, will help control the changes.
APRIL
Trawler" Far East"sank in the Sea of Okhotsk
On April 2, in the Sea of Okhotsk, 250 kilometers south of Magadan, the trawler "Far East" crashed. As a result of the disaster, 56 people died, the fate of 13 is still unknown, 63 people managed to escape. The ship sank in 30 minutes. According to survivors, the crash was reminiscent of the tragedy of the Titanic that sank more than 100 years ago.
"Did you see the Titanic? That's how it all happened. People were pulled down. The captain shouted, called for help. Everyone shouted. I also shouted that I wanted to see my wife," sailor Evgeny Vitrikus said.
Launch of the Large Hadron Collider for the first time in two years
On April 5, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was launched for the first time in two years. It was closed for repairs due to a power outage. Scientists are confident that in the near future the LHC will allow them to unravel the existence of "dark matter".
The Large Hadron Collider is a charged particle accelerator designed to accelerate heavy ions and protons and study the results of their collisions. LHC built in underground tunnel 27 kilometers long on the border of France and Switzerland. On July 4, 2012, physicists announced that they had discovered the Higgs boson using the LHC. Its existence confirmed the correctness of the Standard Model of particle physics.
Russians found "white walls" of Memphis in Egypt
Russian archaeologists working in the vicinity of Cairo discovered fragments of a white wall during excavations. The finds turned out to be part of the fence of the city of Memphis, which was the capital ancient egypt at the beginning of the third millennium BC. In addition to fragments of walls, archaeologists have found bronze items and the remains of furnaces.
The Russians decided not to stop there and continue excavations to find other historical artifacts.
The Committee of the European Parliament approved the tightening of anti-Russian sanctions
On May 5, it became known that the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament approved a resolution on toughening sanctions against Russia and providing defensive weapons to Ukraine. Restrictive measures were to become stricter if the Russian Federation does not return Crimea to Ukraine and does not follow the Minsk agreements on a ceasefire in Donbass.
According to the deputies, the return of Crimea is "vital" for cooperation between Russia and the European Union. According to the document, the EU countries had to step up their defense capabilities because of the military preparations of the Russian Federation in the Black Sea and in the "annexed" Crimea.
Parade dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory was held in Moscow
In 2015, Russia celebrated the 70th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War. Large-scale events were held in Moscow in honor of the anniversary. On May 9, about 200 units took part in the parade on Red Square military equipment and more than 15 thousand people. The event became one of the largest in modern Russian history.
The parade was attended by the latest models of equipment - a tank on the platform "Armata", "Boomerang", "Kurganets" and a self-propelled artillery howitzer "Coalition-SV". Air part The event was opened by Tu-160 bomber-missile carrier. In total, more than 140 helicopters and planes flew over the capital on the holiday.
Team Canada defeated Russia at the Ice Hockey World Championship
On May 17, Team Canada defeated Russia to win the Ice Hockey World Championship. The final match in the Czech Republic ended with the score 6:1. Canada has become the World Hockey Champion for the 25th time.
After the US semi-final match, many Russians had hope for the victory of the national team: the game ended with a score of 4:0, largely due to the skill of goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky. In the final, the Russians failed to retain the championship title, which was won in Minsk at the 2014 World Cup.
FIFA high-ranking officials arrested
At the end of May, a major corruption scandal occurred in the International Football Federation (FIFA). On May 27, on the eve of the FIFA Congress, Swiss police arrested high-ranking members of the association: Vice President Jeffrey Webb, former head of the South American Football Confederation Eugenio Figueredo, head of the Venezuelan Football Federation Rafael Esquivel, and former President of the Brazilian Football Confederation Jose Maria Marina. A total of 14 people were detained. At the same time, American police searched the headquarters of the Confederation of Football of North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) in the United States.
FIFA officials are suspected of money laundering and criminal negligence. Corrupt practices include the distribution of venues for the World Cup, as well as the rights to advertise and broadcast matches. According to the indictment, members of the association are suspected of taking bribes worth more than $150 million.
JULY
Elections to the State Duma were postponed to September 2016
On July 3, State Duma deputies in the second and third readings adopted a bill to postpone the parliamentary elections from December 4 to the third Sunday of September 2016. 102 deputies voted "against" the decision, 339 people voted "for". The leaders proposed to postpone the date of the elections " United Russia", "Fair Russia", the Liberal Democratic Party and State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin. If the amendments to the articles of the federal law are approved in the Federation Council and signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, then the elections will be held in September and after 2016.
IOC members choose host city for 2022 Winter Olympics
Beijing, China, is the host city for the 2022 Winter Paralympic and Olympic Games. The corresponding decision was made by the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Beijing's main rival was Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan). According to the voting results, the capital of the PRC received 44 votes, 40 people voted for Almaty, one member of the IOC abstained. Earlier, Stockholm (Sweden), Oslo (Norway), Lvov (Ukraine) and Krakow (Poland) dropped out of the fight for the title of the capital of the Olympic Games.
AUGUST
Russia and France terminated the Mistral contract
On the evening of August 5, the Kremlin press service reported that France had transferred to Russia the funds paid by the Russian Federation under a contract for the supply of two Mistral-type helicopter carriers back in 2011. The decision to terminate the contract for their construction was made by French President Francois Hollande and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The French state defense company DCNS, which builds warships, and Rosoboronexport signed a contract to build the Mistrals in June 2011. In 2014, when the EU decided to impose sanctions against Russia, Paris froze the supply of helicopter carriers. The cost of the contract for the construction of "Mistral" was 1.2 billion euros.
Sanctioned products in the Russian Federation began to crush tractors
On August 6, a law on the elimination of sanctioned products "by any available means" began to work in Russia. On the very first day, Rosselkhoznadzor press secretary Yulia Melano said that in Belgorod, 10 tons of cheese would first be crushed with a skating rink and then buried. Videos have appeared on the Internet in which chickens, geese, cheeses, tomatoes, peaches and other products are crushed by huge tractors. In Moscow and the Moscow Region, they approached the matter a little more rationally: they decided to process the sanctions meat into flour for animal feed.
More than 250,000 Russians opposed the destruction of fresh food. They signed a petition asking them to donate food to those in need. However, in response, the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that the decree is mandatory for execution. In just nine days, 900 tons of products that fell under sanctions were destroyed in Russia.
SEPTEMBER
Metro station "Kotelniki" opened in Moscow
On September 21, Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyov and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin opened a new metro station, Kotelniki, on the Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya line. The facility will improve transport accessibility: according to preliminary data, about 140,000 people will use the new station per day.
"Kotelniki" began to build in 2012. One of the station vestibules is located on the territory of the capital and overlooks Novoryazanskoe highway, Marshal Poluboyarov and Privolnaya streets. Through the second exit you can get to the territory of Kotelniki near Moscow. The station must unload the stops "Zhulebino" and "Vykhino" of the Tagasnka-Krasnopresnenskaya line.
Russia launches strikes against IS positions in Syria
On September 30, the Federation Council allowed the President of the Russian Federation to use Russian troops abroad. On the same day, the country's air forces began to participate in the military operation in Syria. The first airstrike was inflicted on militant positions near the town of Holmes, which is located in the west of the country. Russian Aerospace Forces are bombing ammunition and weapons depots, military equipment, vehicles, control points and communication centers of militants " Islamic State"(The activity of a terrorist organization is prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation). Videos of new airstrikes regularly appeared on the official Facebook and Instagram of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
OCTOBER
Russia and Ukraine have stopped direct flights
On October 25, Russia and Ukraine suspended direct flights between the countries. This happened after the Ukrainian authorities imposed sanctions on 25 Russian carriers that flew to Crimea on September 16. The country's authorities also banned transit for Russian companies. In response, the Russian Federation took mirror measures by closing the sky for Ukrainian carriers.
Transaero Airlines ceased to exist
On October 26, the Transaero airline, which offered international and domestic flights on the market, ceased to exist. low prices. Rosaviatsiya has canceled the operator's certificate of Transaero. 56 airline routes were handed over to Aeroflot for a year.
The company's debts amounted to more than 250 billion rubles. In September, Aeroflot was going to buy Transaero for a symbolic sum, one ruble, but the deal fell through. Later it became known that 51% of the carrier's shares could be bought by the S7 group. However, Vladislav Filev, co-owner of the company, withdrew from the deal due to unsettled legal claims against Transaero: a significant part of the carrier's shares is pledged to VTB and other creditor banks.
Businessman shot dead four people in the suburbs
On October 19, a series of high-profile murders took place in the Moscow region. Businessman Amiran Georgadze carried a weapon into the administration building of the Krasnogorsk region, where he shot the deputy head of the administration of the municipality, Yuri Karaulov, and the head of the Krasnogorsk Electricity Network, Georgy Kotlyarenko. Georgadze also killed his business partner and an employee of the Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper, who wanted to help the entrepreneur, thinking that he had become ill.
The reasons for Georgadze's act remained unknown: versions were put forward that he broke down due to debts, or that he demanded $ 20 million from the murdered officials to exit the business. Georgadze's son said that he did not know that someone had taken away the business from the man. He did not hear about the 20 million dollars that his father allegedly demanded from officials.
The businessman's body was found on October 23 in a house near the residence of Boris Rasskazov, head of the administration of the Krasnogorsk district. According to investigative committee, in the hands of the killer were two Makarov pistols. The weapon from which the murder was committed was stolen in the 90s from the Izhevsk plant. According to preliminary data, the man shot himself on the day of the murders - October 19.
AirplaneAirbusA321 crashed over Sinai: 224 killed
On the morning of October 31, the Russian aircraft A321 "", flying on the route Sharm el-Sheikh - St. Petersburg, crashed in the Sinai. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case under Article 263 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of traffic safety rules and operation air transport"). As a result of the crash, all 224 people on board were killed.
Deciphering the "black box" data of the aircraft did not help to establish the cause of the crash. His data indicate that throughout the entire 20 minutes of the flight, the systems worked properly, and the liner almost gained a predetermined height. However, then a certain event occurred, after which the work of all aircraft systems was suddenly interrupted.
On November 17, FSB director Alexander Bortnikov said that the A321 plane crashed due to a bomb explosion on board. The power of an improvised explosive device was up to one kilogram of TNT.
NOVEMBER
130 dead in Paris attacks
On the evening of November 13, several groups of terrorists carried out six attacks in various parts of Paris (France). Almost simultaneously, visitors to several cafes and restaurants were shot, explosions thundered near the Stade de France stadium, where a friendly match between the national teams of Germany and France was held, a suicide bomber blew himself up on Voltaire Boulevard and several terrorists took 100 people hostage in concert hall"Bataclan". As of November 20, 130 people were killed and more than 350 were injured, about 100 of them were in critical condition due to the attacks.
By the number of victims, these attacks became one of the largest in the history of France. For the first time since 2005, a state of emergency was declared in the country. The attacks were not tourist places, but in the usual district of Paris, when people rested after a working week. Most of the dead are young people in their 20s and 30s.
Turkish Air Force shot down a Russian Su-24M bomber
On November 24, a Turkish Air Force fighter shot down a Russian Su-24M bomber. Ankara says Russian plane violated air space countries near the border with Syria. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Su-24M did not fly into Turkey. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attack was a "stab in the back" of the Russian Federation. The crew of the plane was able to eject, but its commander, Oleg Peshkov, was killed from the ground.
On November 28, Putin signed a decree prohibiting the employment of workers who are Turkish citizens. It will come into effect on January 1, 2016. Starting next year, the agreement on visa-free regime. There will also be a ban on the import of certain goods from Turkey.
DECEMBER
EU extends sanctions against Russia
On December 21, the Council of the European Union officially extended for six months, until July 31, 2016, the sanctions against Russia. The duration of the restrictive measures has been extended because the Minsk agreements will not be fully implemented by December 31, 2015. The composition of the sanctions list will not be changed: restrictive measures are directed against about 200 companies and people representing Donbass and Russia.
Technopark metro station opened in Moscow
On December 28, a new station "Technopark" of the Zamoskvoretskaya line of the metropolitan subway was opened in Moscow. Now there are 198 stations in the Moscow metro, 22 of them are located on the "green" line. "Technopark" was built between the working stations "Kolomenskaya" and "Avtozavodskaya". The facility was erected on the existing line without stopping the train, work began at the end of 2013. Technopark will serve about 20,000 people per hour. On the basis of this station, they are going to create a transport interchange hub (TPU).
Dollar hit 2015 high
On December 28, the dollar hit its 2015 high. As of 13:15, on the Moscow stock exchange, the American currency rose in price by 1 ruble 66 kopecks and was trading at the level of 72 rubles 35 kopecks. The euro rose in price by 1 ruble 90 kopecks to 79 rubles 44 kopecks. The dollar exceeded the mark of 72 rubles for the first time in a year. The euro has updated highs over the past four months.
Nina Pogorelova
