Russian tourists are increasingly booking trips to Europe, particularly Spain, France, and Italy, with a 25% increase in outbound tourism in 2024 totaling 29 million trips. Despite challenges like increased costs and travel time due to the Ukraine conflict, demand for Schengen visas has stabilized, and travel to Europe is rebounding. Russian travelers are also exploring further destinations like Turkey, Thailand, and Japan, as domestic tourism strengthens due to significant government investment.
Russian tourists are increasingly traveling to Europe, with significant rises in hotel bookings for Spain, France, and Italy. In 2024, outbound tourism from Russia increased by 25% compared to the previous year, amounting to 29 million trips, which included 11.5 million for tourism, according to the FSB’s Border Guard Service.
Despite the suspension of direct flights to the EU due to the Ukraine conflict, travelers are still making the journey via non-sanctioned countries like Turkey and Serbia. However, the costs and travel time have intensified significantly. For instance, the Moscow-Paris route now takes about 12 hours and costs around 2,000 euros, compared to a couple of hours and a couple of hundred euros before the war.
Travel demand has bounced back, with hotel bookings in Italy rising by one-third for the spring of 2025, while Spain and France saw increases of 65% and 45%, respectively. Italy now represents nearly 10% of outbound trips, with Spain and France also showing significant increases in popularity among Russian tourists.
Travel platforms like Yandex Travel reported a dramatic surge in bookings for Europe-bound trips, with increases of 6.5 times for Italy, approximately 7.5 times for France, and 7.6 times for Spain. Following a significant decline in Russian trips to EU countries during the initial years of the conflict, the travel sector is now experiencing recovery.
The introduction of more stable Schengen visa issuance has further driven demand, with roughly 449,000 such visas awarded to Russians in 2024 for tourism, covering 17 out of 29 Schengen countries. Additionally, 1.4 million trips were recorded to EU countries for tourism, with a notable portion facilitated overland.
The logistical challenges of visiting Europe have also encouraged Russians to explore farther destinations. In 2024, trips abroad increased by 15.4%, with Turkey remaining a top choice due to its direct flight options and visa-free entry, accounting for nearly 40% of the outbound market.
Emerging markets like Thailand, Mexico, and Japan have seen a rise in Russian visitors, as travelers adapt to higher costs and longer flights. In 2024, Japan saw a 2.3-fold increase in visits from Russia, showcasing a shift toward seeking new destinations.
The overall trend includes prominent destinations like Egypt, Georgia, and various Southeast Asian countries, highlighting a diversification in travel preferences. During the New Year period, Russian tourist flows to Thailand surged by 35%, illustrating the continued interest in international travel despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Aeroflot, the national carrier, has gained from the exit of Western airlines, seeing nearly a 2% year-on-year growth in passenger numbers. As domestic tourism grows, the Russian government is investing significantly in the sector, with substantial funding directed to enhance local tourism infrastructure through public and private investments.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
