Struggling to locate a seaside house for rent, particularly during holiday seasons, is becoming more challenging.
In the suburban garden communities of Yekaterinburg, known as SNTs (садоводческие некоммерческие товарищества), a growing trend is emerging that could shape the city's tourism landscape. While specific data linking SNTs directly to the tourism industry and private accommodation sector is limited, the potential for these garden communities to offer affordable, non-hotel lodging options is becoming increasingly apparent.
SNTs, typically suburban garden communities, might be used more frequently for private accommodation rentals catering to tourists who prefer a more countryside or suburban stay as an alternative to city-center hotels. This trend aligns with broader tourism growth patterns seen in Russian cities, where private accommodations have gained some popularity due to affordability and proximity to nature.
The tourism industry in Yekaterinburg is supported by hotels such as the Marins Park Hotel, a mid-range 3-star option located centrally and well-rated. Compared to hotel stays, cost-conscious tourists might prefer private rentals in SNTs or suburban areas, which offer lower rental costs and a different experience.
Price data for accommodation in Yekaterinburg suggests a varied market. Budget rentals such as hostels are available from about 1,440 RUB per night, with hotels charging more. Meanwhile, monthly apartment rents show a wide range, implying room for small-scale private accommodation providers, including those in SNTs, to participate in meeting diverse tourist needs.
However, the current status of business activities within SNTs shows a grey area. While some cottages in SNTs offer room rentals, this business is difficult to detect and may be illegal. Authorities are not in a hurry to address illegal entrepreneurship in cottage rentals within SNTs, and there are no legal (classified) hostels in SNTs.
In the south of Russia, particularly on the Black Sea coast, there are many illegal hospitality businesses on SNT lands. These illegal businesses often offer services at significantly lower prices than legal small accommodation providers. However, starting such a business in SNTs in Yekaterinburg may not be worthwhile due to the city's main tourist being a business traveler who tends to stay in the central part of the city.
Starting September 1, a new law in Russia will prohibit business activities on plots of land within SNTs, including hostels, warehouses, workshops, auto repair shops, nurseries, stores, and other facilities not defined as "for personal use." This law is not expected to significantly affect the tourism industry and hospitality sector in the Urals, except for the private sector accommodation within SNTs.
Not all cottages in SNTs for daily rent are illegal; some are operating legally. Last year, some expensive cottages for rent during the New Year holidays, located in SNTs, were featured in DK.RU, with prices reaching 58,000 rubles per day.
The future impact of business activities in SNTs on tourism and private accommodation in Yekaterinburg could grow if these garden communities increasingly develop rental infrastructure. This would offer alternatives to traditional hotels, potentially attracting domestic tourists seeking weekend or seasonal rural retreats close to the city. However, no direct sources presently quantify this impact or confirm a major ongoing trend.
Broader market conditions, such as the overall cost of living and housing market dynamics, including the price comparison between newly constructed and renovated apartments in Russian cities, influence private accommodation decisions. These indirect factors affect supply and demand for private rentals as part of the tourism accommodation ecosystem in Yekaterinburg.
In summary, while specific detailed data on businesses within SNTs impacting Yekaterinburg’s tourism and private accommodation sector is lacking, the sector likely plays a modest and potentially growing role by offering affordable, non-hotel lodging options. This trend could increase especially if tourism grows and demand for diverse accommodation types rises. More targeted local studies would be required for a definitive assessment.
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