‘We are already offering our customers New Year trips to Thailand and ski resorts in Austria, Switzerland, and Abzakovo. The most inexpensive holiday for two in Thailand will cost you about $5,000. Those willing to spend a vacation in Switzerland between December 27, 2008 and January 10, 2009 will have to pay some ?4,200 per person for a stay at a four-star hotel,’ says director of Barkhatniy Sezon Travel Agency Tatiana Berseneva.

‘The cheapest winter recess tours available on January 2-10, 2009 will come to ?2,200 per person, excluding the cost of the flight,’ she added.