Increase in Tourist Inflow Expected: Russia's Regions, Particularly Crimea, Set to Witness Rising Tourist Arrivals in 2025 from Homeowners Abroad
Russians have a clear preference for summer holidays on the Black Sea coast this year, according to a survey conducted by "Komsomolka." Approximately 40% of respondents indicated they would spend their holidays in Crimea, a marked increase from 2021 when only 4% of the surveyed group planned to visit the peninsula.
The increase in interest for Crimea is more about a shift in the proportion of Russians staying home during their vacations rather than a change in travel preferences, according to Yuri Barzykin, Vice-President of the Russian Union of Tour Operators (RST). In 2021, 33% of the respondents did not have travel plans for their summer holidays, compared to 27% this year.
Crimea will not be the only popular destination, however, as 16% of the surveyed group plans to visit their dacha, 12% other regions within Russia, and 9% the Krasnodar Krai. Despite the sinking of two tankers in December 2022, causing a significant oil spill in the Black Sea, the region remains attractive to tourists, with experts predicting a growth in visitor numbers despite a potential minor decrease.
Transition to KP Photo Bank
In contrast, Turkey and other foreign countries do not seem popular among the surveyed group, according to the poll results shared by the "KP" publication. Nonetheless, the overall trend for 2023 indicates a rise in domestic tourism, with a 10-11% growth expected compared to pre-pandemic levels. Outbound destinations are also growing but have yet to reach their 2021 levels, with more Russians choosing to travel to Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet countries.
When it comes to the types of trips taken, 40% are beach holidays, approximately 30% are cultural and educational trips, and 30% are eco, agro, and gastronomy-focused. With numerous resources available for travelers, Russians are increasingly mixing different types of recreation to create unique and tailored experiences.
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Despite the rise in domestic tourism, Russians are not entirely turning their backs on travel, with more choosing to visit Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet countries. In terms of lifestyle, Russians are increasingly focusing on mixing different types of recreation, such as beach holidays, cultural and educational trips, and eco, agro, and gastronomy-focused excursions, to create unique and tailored experiences. On the other hand, home-and-garden interests seem to hold strong, with 16% of the surveyed group planning to visit their dacha during their holidays.
