Russians have spent a record amount of money on foreign holidays this year, with a significant outlay of $5.46 billion in July alone, according to the Central Bank. This marks the highest monthly expenditure on overseas travel since the Bank of Russia began publishing monthly foreign‑trade statistics in 2018.
From May to September, the most popular destination for Russian tourists was Türkiye, which attracted 2.83 million visitors and accounted for 58 % of all travel‑company sales, as reported by the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR). Egypt was the second‑most popular destination, holding a 15 % market share.
In contrast, domestic tourism in Russia slowed over the summer, with bookings rising only 1.1 % from June to August, compared with a 15.3 % increase during the same period in 2024. Ilya Umansky, head of the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry (RST), attributes this slowdown to a “correction in demand after several years of rapid growth.” He also cites the strengthening ruble, high inflation and an “abnormally cold summer” in central and southern Russia as key factors.
Meanwhile, Russian tour operators are seeing a surge in demand for trips to China’s southern Hainan resort after Beijing announced a one‑year, visa‑free travel trial for Russians starting on September 15. The move has been welcomed by President Vladimir Putin, who has pledged to grant Chinese visitors the same privilege.
The sharp rise in foreign‑travel spending by Russians reflects shifting preferences and economic conditions. As visa‑free travel between Russia and China takes effect, demand for international trips is likely to keep growing, creating new opportunities and challenges for the tourism industry.
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