Kuban is the most sought-after travel destination among tourists
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Russia is seeing a surge in culinary tourism this summer, with several regions emerging as popular destinations for food enthusiasts.
Among the top choices are Baikal, Dagestan, Tatarstan, Kalmykia, Kuban, Adygea, Altai, the Astrakhan region, Gelendzhik, Primorye, and Kaliningrad. These regions offer unique culinary experiences that showcase the rich diversity of Russian cuisine.
The growing interest in culinary and wine tourism in Russia is reflected in the country's formal organization and promotion efforts. In 2025, the Russian National Culinary Association (RNCA) joined the Global Wine Tourism Organization (GWTO), indicating a commitment to promoting domestic culinary and wine tourism. Events like the EnoTourism Forum in Abrau-Durso, a renowned wine region, highlight this domestic focus.
However, despite the growth in culinary tourism, there is limited data available about specific trends for summer 2021. This is partly due to the focus on Russian tourists traveling abroad for culinary experiences, such as to Asian destinations like Vietnam.
Despite a general economic downturn affecting wine sales in Russia, the interest in wine tourism and culinary experiences connected to wine regions remains strong. The wine tourism industry is gaining visibility, with events like the EnoTourism Forum in Abrau-Durso showcasing the domestic focus on wine tourism.
Interestingly, around 25% of travelers in Russia choose a region based on its culinary features. This suggests that the demand for culinary tourism is not only growing but also becoming a significant factor in travel decisions.
In addition, a wine city is expected to be established in Gelendzhik by the end of 2025, further enhancing Russia's culinary tourism offerings.
Overall, culinary tourism in Russia is experiencing a 30% increase compared to last year, making it an exciting and vibrant sector for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a foodie looking to explore new flavours or a casual diner seeking a unique dining experience, Russia's culinary tourism scene has something for everyone this summer.
- Despite the focus on Russian tourists traversing abroad for culinary experiences, a significant number of travelers, about 25%, still choose a region based on its unique culinary features within Russia.
- The establishment of a wine city in Gelendzhik by the end of 2025 will further expand Russia's food-and-drink-focused travel offerings, reinforcing its growing position in the global culinary tourism scene.
