New rules for issuing visas for Russians to France
On April 23, the French visa center in Moscow stopped accepting old-style passports from Russians. However, there was no information about this on its website or on the page of the French consulate. Travel agencies were also not officially notified. Later, screenshots of letters from the center's employees appeared in visa chats. They said that the…
https://russtd.com/new-rules-for-issuing-visas-for-russians-to-france.html
On April 23, the French visa center in Moscow stopped accepting old-style passports from Russians. However, there was no information about this on its website or on the page of the French consulate. Travel agencies were also not officially notified. Later, screenshots of letters from the center's employees appeared in visa chats. They said that the…
https://russtd.com/new-rules-for-issuing-visas-for-russians-to-france.html
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Indonesia plans to receive over 180 thousand Russian tourists in 2025
In 2024, the flow of Russian tourists to Indonesia increased by 11.71%, reaching a historical maximum. In 2025, Indonesia expects an increase in Russian tourist flow, the Indonesian Embassy in Russia said.
Tour operators also confirm the growing demand, calling Indonesia one of the most popular destinations among Russians, based on the…
https://russtd.com/indonesia-plans-to-receive-over-180-thousand-russian-tourists-in-2025.html
In 2024, the flow of Russian tourists to Indonesia increased by 11.71%, reaching a historical maximum. In 2025, Indonesia expects an increase in Russian tourist flow, the Indonesian Embassy in Russia said.
Tour operators also confirm the growing demand, calling Indonesia one of the most popular destinations among Russians, based on the…
https://russtd.com/indonesia-plans-to-receive-over-180-thousand-russian-tourists-in-2025.html
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Beach tours to Greece in 2025
Demand for beach holidays in Greece this summer season has increased significantly, major Russian tour operators told to Vestnik ATOR. Companies PAKS and Ambotis Holidays draw attention to the increase in the depth of sales in the Greek direction: there are already bookings for October 2025.
Despite the difficult logistics of air travel…
https://russtd.com/beach-tours-to-greece-in-2025.html
Demand for beach holidays in Greece this summer season has increased significantly, major Russian tour operators told to Vestnik ATOR. Companies PAKS and Ambotis Holidays draw attention to the increase in the depth of sales in the Greek direction: there are already bookings for October 2025.
Despite the difficult logistics of air travel…
https://russtd.com/beach-tours-to-greece-in-2025.html
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TOP 10 countries - the main suppliers of foreign tourists to Russia
According to the Border Service of the Russian Federation, in the first quarter of 2025, 228851 foreigners visited Russia for tourism purposes. This is 4.62% more than in the first quarter of 2024 (218,750 people), but almost 2 times less than before the pandemic (almost 470 thousand tourists in the first quarter of 2019). At the same time, China…
https://russtd.com/top-10-countries-the-main-suppliers-of-foreign-tourists-to-russia.html
According to the Border Service of the Russian Federation, in the first quarter of 2025, 228851 foreigners visited Russia for tourism purposes. This is 4.62% more than in the first quarter of 2024 (218,750 people), but almost 2 times less than before the pandemic (almost 470 thousand tourists in the first quarter of 2019). At the same time, China…
https://russtd.com/top-10-countries-the-main-suppliers-of-foreign-tourists-to-russia.html
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ATM 2025: Middle East Fights for Russian Tourists
From April 28 to May 1, the Arabian Travel Market international tourism exhibition was held in Dubai, which once again confirmed its status as the main event in the tourism industry. The exhibition broke the attendance record: 55,000 guests - 16% more than last year.
ATM 2025 clearly identified a key trend: the Gulf countries, including…
https://russtd.com/atm-2025-middle-east-fights-for-russian-tourists.html
From April 28 to May 1, the Arabian Travel Market international tourism exhibition was held in Dubai, which once again confirmed its status as the main event in the tourism industry. The exhibition broke the attendance record: 55,000 guests - 16% more than last year.
ATM 2025 clearly identified a key trend: the Gulf countries, including…
https://russtd.com/atm-2025-middle-east-fights-for-russian-tourists.html
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Armenia is creating an all-in-one app for wine tourism
The Viticulture and Winemaking Foundation of Armenia is developing an app for wine tourism on the «all-inclusive» principle. In the app it will be possible to contact any winery, clarify the possibility of visiting and book a tour - both through tour guides and directly, without intermediaries.
The foundation is currently working on a test…
https://russtd.com/armenia-is-creating-an-all-in-one-app-for-wine-tourism.html
The Viticulture and Winemaking Foundation of Armenia is developing an app for wine tourism on the «all-inclusive» principle. In the app it will be possible to contact any winery, clarify the possibility of visiting and book a tour - both through tour guides and directly, without intermediaries.
The foundation is currently working on a test…
https://russtd.com/armenia-is-creating-an-all-in-one-app-for-wine-tourism.html
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How to visit Russia with an electronic visa?
Since August 1, 2023, Russia has begun issuing unified electronic visas for foreign citizens. This is a simple and convenient tool that gives a foreign citizen the right to stay throughout Russia on a guest or business visit, as a tourist, to participate in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic and sports events.
https://russtd.com/how-to-visit-russia-with-an-electronic-visa.html
Since August 1, 2023, Russia has begun issuing unified electronic visas for foreign citizens. This is a simple and convenient tool that gives a foreign citizen the right to stay throughout Russia on a guest or business visit, as a tourist, to participate in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic and sports events.
https://russtd.com/how-to-visit-russia-with-an-electronic-visa.html
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Over 6.4 million Russians will spent the vacation abroad this summer
According to preliminary forecasts by ATOR analysts, this summer the volume of outbound tourist flow to popular foreign tourist destinations will grow by 24.8% year-on-year.
Space Travel notes that early booking of summer vacations this year is almost twice as successful as last year. The growth in demand for foreign vacations is due to…
https://russtd.com/over-6.4-million-russians-will-spent-the-vacation-abroad-this-summer.html
According to preliminary forecasts by ATOR analysts, this summer the volume of outbound tourist flow to popular foreign tourist destinations will grow by 24.8% year-on-year.
Space Travel notes that early booking of summer vacations this year is almost twice as successful as last year. The growth in demand for foreign vacations is due to…
https://russtd.com/over-6.4-million-russians-will-spent-the-vacation-abroad-this-summer.html
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Visa abolition between Russia and Jordan: what will be the effect on mutual tourist flows
The order on concluding an agreement on the abolition of the visa regime with Jordan on a reciprocal basis was signed on May 27 by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. According to the document, the new rules establish a visa-free regime for trips up to 30 days, while in total it will be possible to stay in the country for up to 90 days per…
https://russtd.com/visa-abolition-between-russia-and-jordan-what-will-be-the-effect-on-mutual-tourist-flows.html
The order on concluding an agreement on the abolition of the visa regime with Jordan on a reciprocal basis was signed on May 27 by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. According to the document, the new rules establish a visa-free regime for trips up to 30 days, while in total it will be possible to stay in the country for up to 90 days per…
https://russtd.com/visa-abolition-between-russia-and-jordan-what-will-be-the-effect-on-mutual-tourist-flows.html
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Tour operators have evacuated almost all Russian tourists from Israel and Iran
Almost all tourists from Russia who expressed their desire to leave Iran and Israel after the escalation of the conflict between the countries have already been evacuated or will be sent to Russia in the coming days. Information about this was published on the official website of the Russian Union of Travel Industry on June 18.
https://russtd.com/tour-operators-have-evacuated-almost-all-russian-tourists-from-israel-and-iran.html
Almost all tourists from Russia who expressed their desire to leave Iran and Israel after the escalation of the conflict between the countries have already been evacuated or will be sent to Russia in the coming days. Information about this was published on the official website of the Russian Union of Travel Industry on June 18.
https://russtd.com/tour-operators-have-evacuated-almost-all-russian-tourists-from-israel-and-iran.html
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The number of trips to the UAE and Egypt has decreased
From June 16 to 22, sales of tours to the UAE fell by more than 30%, to Egypt - by 9%. The outflow of Russian travelers due to the aggravation of the situation in the Middle East was felt by other countries in the region and long-haul destinations, for trips to which the UAE served as a hub. The situation may worsen even more with the restriction of flights to Qatar and Kuwait, travelers are already starting to look for alternative routes for themselves.
A drop in sales on Middle Eastern destinations was recorded not only by all major tour operators, but also by independent booking services.
The main drop was caused by the closure of the airspace of Iran, Israel, Jordan, neighboring countries and widespread flight delays. Some travelers were deprived of the opportunity to quickly return home, and tour operators were forced to partially stop selling tours.
On the evening of June 23, the situation became more complicated. The authorities of Qatar, which was subjected to a missile attack by Iran, officially announced the closure of its airspace. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) explained that no more than 100 organized tourists from Russia can currently be in the country. There may be significantly more independent travelers. Qatar is not considered a mass resort destination, but is actively used by Russians as a logistics hub for trips to other destinations. ATOR does not rule out that some travelers may now be waiting for connecting flights at the airport. Rosaviatsia has ordered Russian carriers not to operate flights to Qatar.
Problems have also started on other routes. ATOR reported the closure of Kuwait's airspace. A Turkish Airlines representative indicated on social media that the carrier had cancelled flights to the Persian Gulf countries scheduled for June 23. This concerns flights to Bahrain, Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Doha (Qatar), Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Muscat (Oman).
Having abandoned trips to the Middle East, Russian tourists may partially reorient themselves to other destinations. Thus, at Ostrovok, following the results of last week, they noted a significant increase in demand for European destinations. The number of bookings for accommodation in Spain increased by 38%, in France - by 19%, and in Italy - by 8%. Growth was also shown by the Asian countries in demand this season. Interest in China increased by 5%, in Japan - by 7%. A pronounced redistribution of demand is also observed in the segment of organized tours. Sletat.ru notes that last week sales of tours to Cuba increased by 91.7%, Thailand showed an increase of 27.3%, and Abkhazia by 10.5%.
From June 16 to 22, sales of tours to the UAE fell by more than 30%, to Egypt - by 9%. The outflow of Russian travelers due to the aggravation of the situation in the Middle East was felt by other countries in the region and long-haul destinations, for trips to which the UAE served as a hub. The situation may worsen even more with the restriction of flights to Qatar and Kuwait, travelers are already starting to look for alternative routes for themselves.
A drop in sales on Middle Eastern destinations was recorded not only by all major tour operators, but also by independent booking services.
The main drop was caused by the closure of the airspace of Iran, Israel, Jordan, neighboring countries and widespread flight delays. Some travelers were deprived of the opportunity to quickly return home, and tour operators were forced to partially stop selling tours.
On the evening of June 23, the situation became more complicated. The authorities of Qatar, which was subjected to a missile attack by Iran, officially announced the closure of its airspace. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) explained that no more than 100 organized tourists from Russia can currently be in the country. There may be significantly more independent travelers. Qatar is not considered a mass resort destination, but is actively used by Russians as a logistics hub for trips to other destinations. ATOR does not rule out that some travelers may now be waiting for connecting flights at the airport. Rosaviatsia has ordered Russian carriers not to operate flights to Qatar.
Problems have also started on other routes. ATOR reported the closure of Kuwait's airspace. A Turkish Airlines representative indicated on social media that the carrier had cancelled flights to the Persian Gulf countries scheduled for June 23. This concerns flights to Bahrain, Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Doha (Qatar), Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Muscat (Oman).
Having abandoned trips to the Middle East, Russian tourists may partially reorient themselves to other destinations. Thus, at Ostrovok, following the results of last week, they noted a significant increase in demand for European destinations. The number of bookings for accommodation in Spain increased by 38%, in France - by 19%, and in Italy - by 8%. Growth was also shown by the Asian countries in demand this season. Interest in China increased by 5%, in Japan - by 7%. A pronounced redistribution of demand is also observed in the segment of organized tours. Sletat.ru notes that last week sales of tours to Cuba increased by 91.7%, Thailand showed an increase of 27.3%, and Abkhazia by 10.5%.
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In Sri Lanka Russians were named leaders in daily vacation spending
Russian tourists in Sri Lanka spend an average of about 200 US dollars per day, which is more than the average spending of other foreign guests. This was reported to RIA Novosti by Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe.
«According to our estimates, Russian tourists spend about 200 dollars per day, which is more than the national average of 180», - Ranasinghe noted.
According to him, Russians often choose premium vacation formats — wellness treatments, surfing, and active entertainment, which makes them economically beneficial for the country.
Russian tourists in Sri Lanka spend an average of about 200 US dollars per day, which is more than the average spending of other foreign guests. This was reported to RIA Novosti by Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe.
«According to our estimates, Russian tourists spend about 200 dollars per day, which is more than the national average of 180», - Ranasinghe noted.
According to him, Russians often choose premium vacation formats — wellness treatments, surfing, and active entertainment, which makes them economically beneficial for the country.
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Visa waiver agreement between Azerbaijan and China comes into force in July
The agreement between the governments of Azerbaijan and China on mutual visa waiver for holders of ordinary passports comes into force on July 16, 2025.
As reported by Oxu.Az with reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the document signed on April 23, 2025 in Beijing have been completed.
In accordance with the agreement, citizens of Azerbaijan and China holding valid civil passports will be able to enter, exit and transit through the territory of the other country without visas for up to 30 days within one trip and no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.
The agreement between the governments of Azerbaijan and China on mutual visa waiver for holders of ordinary passports comes into force on July 16, 2025.
As reported by Oxu.Az with reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the document signed on April 23, 2025 in Beijing have been completed.
In accordance with the agreement, citizens of Azerbaijan and China holding valid civil passports will be able to enter, exit and transit through the territory of the other country without visas for up to 30 days within one trip and no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.
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Flights through the airspace of Iran and Israel resumed: the Middle East crisis is nearing its end
On June 13, Rosaviatsia banned Russian air carriers from flying to and from Israel and Iran until June 26 due to the sharp deterioration of the situation in the Middle East. At the same time, Iran and Israel closed their airspace to civilian aircraft.
Rosaviatsia has now lifted the ban on flights in the airspace of Iraq, Iran and Jordan. Logistics chains will soon be restored, and flights, including to the Emirates, will be carried out along the usual routes, which will have a positive impact on the tourism industry.
On June 27, the first flight from Iran by Mahan Air arrived from Mashhad to Moscow and flew back. Aeroflot also began selling tickets for flights to Tehran on July 4.
In connection with the opening of Israeli airspace, Russian airlines Red Wings and Azimuth decided to resume flights to Israel.
Thus, from July 2, Red Wings plans to operate flights to Tel Aviv from Moscow, Sochi and St. Petersburg, and from July 3 - from Mineralnye Vody.
Azimuth resumes flights to Tel Aviv according to the schedule from June 27, 2025 from Sochi and from June 30, 2025 from Mineralnye Vody.
The largest Israeli airline El Al announced the resumption of flights from July 1 between Tel Aviv and Moscow.
Air Arabia, which suspended flights to Russia on June 13, 2025 due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, also announced the restoration of the route network from the end of June. A notice about the resumption of all flights on previously suspended routes, including from Russia, appeared on the airline's website. Tickets for the flights are already on sale.
On June 13, Rosaviatsia banned Russian air carriers from flying to and from Israel and Iran until June 26 due to the sharp deterioration of the situation in the Middle East. At the same time, Iran and Israel closed their airspace to civilian aircraft.
Rosaviatsia has now lifted the ban on flights in the airspace of Iraq, Iran and Jordan. Logistics chains will soon be restored, and flights, including to the Emirates, will be carried out along the usual routes, which will have a positive impact on the tourism industry.
On June 27, the first flight from Iran by Mahan Air arrived from Mashhad to Moscow and flew back. Aeroflot also began selling tickets for flights to Tehran on July 4.
In connection with the opening of Israeli airspace, Russian airlines Red Wings and Azimuth decided to resume flights to Israel.
Thus, from July 2, Red Wings plans to operate flights to Tel Aviv from Moscow, Sochi and St. Petersburg, and from July 3 - from Mineralnye Vody.
Azimuth resumes flights to Tel Aviv according to the schedule from June 27, 2025 from Sochi and from June 30, 2025 from Mineralnye Vody.
The largest Israeli airline El Al announced the resumption of flights from July 1 between Tel Aviv and Moscow.
Air Arabia, which suspended flights to Russia on June 13, 2025 due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, also announced the restoration of the route network from the end of June. A notice about the resumption of all flights on previously suspended routes, including from Russia, appeared on the airline's website. Tickets for the flights are already on sale.
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Russia is ready to resume direct flights to the Dominican Republic
Air traffic with the Dominican Republic was suspended amid anti-Russian sanctions in 2022.
Russia is currently ready to resume direct flights to the Dominican Republic, the first flights may become available this winter. This was reported by the press service of the Russian Ministry of Transport following a meeting between Deputy Transport Minister Vladimir Poteshkin and Dominican partners. The meeting was initiated by the Dominican side.
Dominican Ambassador to Russia Alejandro Arias Zarzuela expressed the country's high interest in resuming air traffic and emphasized that Russian tourists will be welcome at the republic's resorts. The Ministry of Transport and Rosaviatsia noted their readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in this matter.
Air traffic with the Dominican Republic was suspended amid anti-Russian sanctions in 2022.
Russia is currently ready to resume direct flights to the Dominican Republic, the first flights may become available this winter. This was reported by the press service of the Russian Ministry of Transport following a meeting between Deputy Transport Minister Vladimir Poteshkin and Dominican partners. The meeting was initiated by the Dominican side.
Dominican Ambassador to Russia Alejandro Arias Zarzuela expressed the country's high interest in resuming air traffic and emphasized that Russian tourists will be welcome at the republic's resorts. The Ministry of Transport and Rosaviatsia noted their readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in this matter.
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Electronic visa to Russia: more opportunities will be available
Currently, the Ministry of Economic Development together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, is working on innovations for visiting Russia by foreign citizens with an electronic visa.
According to the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Maxim Reshetnikov at the international tourism forum "Travel!", the demand for travel in Russia is growing despite the sanctions.
Reference: According to statistics published in early February 2025 by the Border Service of the Russian Federation, 1.57 million foreign citizens visited Russia for tourism purposes in 2024. In 2023, the incoming tourist flow amounted to only 670.7 thousand people.
Therefore, in the near future, it is planned to extend the period of stay on an electronic visa from 16 to 30 days, and the possibility of multiple use of an electronic visa to Russia is also being considered (currently it is single-entry).
Currently, the Ministry of Economic Development together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, is working on innovations for visiting Russia by foreign citizens with an electronic visa.
According to the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Maxim Reshetnikov at the international tourism forum "Travel!", the demand for travel in Russia is growing despite the sanctions.
Reference: According to statistics published in early February 2025 by the Border Service of the Russian Federation, 1.57 million foreign citizens visited Russia for tourism purposes in 2024. In 2023, the incoming tourist flow amounted to only 670.7 thousand people.
Therefore, in the near future, it is planned to extend the period of stay on an electronic visa from 16 to 30 days, and the possibility of multiple use of an electronic visa to Russia is also being considered (currently it is single-entry).
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Kazakhstan: IATA Global Passenger Survey
The Kazakhstan Tourism Association informs about the launch of the IATA 2025 Global Passenger Survey, organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The survey is conducted from May 20 to August 12, 2025.
The survey is anonymous, available in Russian, English, German, French and other languages, and is intended for tourists and air passengers. Its goal is to identify the expectations and preferences of travelers in order to help improve the quality of service at all stages of the journey.
The survey results will be presented in October 2025 as part of the World Passenger Symposium and will form the basis for subsequent initiatives by IATA and its partners in the field of tourism and aviation services development.
You can take the survey at https://kaztour-association.com/vash-golos-vazhen-prisoedinyajtes-k-2025-iata-global-passenger-survey/.
The Kazakhstan Tourism Association informs about the launch of the IATA 2025 Global Passenger Survey, organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The survey is conducted from May 20 to August 12, 2025.
The survey is anonymous, available in Russian, English, German, French and other languages, and is intended for tourists and air passengers. Its goal is to identify the expectations and preferences of travelers in order to help improve the quality of service at all stages of the journey.
The survey results will be presented in October 2025 as part of the World Passenger Symposium and will form the basis for subsequent initiatives by IATA and its partners in the field of tourism and aviation services development.
You can take the survey at https://kaztour-association.com/vash-golos-vazhen-prisoedinyajtes-k-2025-iata-global-passenger-survey/.
Казахстанская туристская ассоциация | КТА
Ваш голос важен: присоединяйтесь к 2025 IATA Global Passenger Survey
<p>Казахстанская туристская ассоциация (КТА) информирует о запуске Глобального пассажирского опроса IATA 2025 (Global Passenger Survey), организованного Международной ассоциацией воздушного транспорта (IATA). Опрос проводится в период с 20 мая по 12 августа…
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Direct flights to be launched between Russia and Saudi Arabia
Direct flights between Russia and Saudi Arabia will begin in October. Following talks with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that direct flights will help increase tourism exchanges and business contacts between the two countries. The minister noted that in 2024, Russians made more than 36,000 trips to Saudi Arabia, while the return tourist flow increased sixfold compared to 2023.
Sheremetyevo Airport has already included flights between Moscow and Riyadh in its schedule. Saudia Airlines will operate five flights a week - on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saudi Arabian company Flynas has also received permission from Rosaviatsia. It will be able to fly between Riyadh and Vnukovo from August 1 to October 25. The schedule is planned to include four flights a week on Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.
As a result, Russian tourists, pilgrims and businessmen will have the opportunity to get to Saudi Arabia on regular flights without transfers. Currently, in order to get to the capital of Riyadh, the large air hub of Ad Dammam or the popular tourist city of Jeddah, you need to fly with transfers. Most connections occur in Istanbul, Antalya, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Baku and Manama.
#SaudiArabia
Direct flights between Russia and Saudi Arabia will begin in October. Following talks with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that direct flights will help increase tourism exchanges and business contacts between the two countries. The minister noted that in 2024, Russians made more than 36,000 trips to Saudi Arabia, while the return tourist flow increased sixfold compared to 2023.
Sheremetyevo Airport has already included flights between Moscow and Riyadh in its schedule. Saudia Airlines will operate five flights a week - on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saudi Arabian company Flynas has also received permission from Rosaviatsia. It will be able to fly between Riyadh and Vnukovo from August 1 to October 25. The schedule is planned to include four flights a week on Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.
As a result, Russian tourists, pilgrims and businessmen will have the opportunity to get to Saudi Arabia on regular flights without transfers. Currently, in order to get to the capital of Riyadh, the large air hub of Ad Dammam or the popular tourist city of Jeddah, you need to fly with transfers. Most connections occur in Istanbul, Antalya, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Baku and Manama.
#SaudiArabia
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Philippines: it all depends on the season
The Philippines do not occupy high positions in the rating of Southeast Asian countries among Russian tourists. This is primarily due to the relatively pure hotel base, weak promotion in the Russian tourism market, and logistical difficulties.
To get to the popular island of Boracay, the travelers from Russia need to fly to Manila or Cebu with at least one transfer (the total travel time when flying from Moscow to Manila with a stopover in Abu Dhabi is 16 hours 50 minutes), then take a domestic flight to the nearest airport (it takes 1 hour to fly from Manila to Boracay), then take a boat and only then by land to the hotel. This means at least two transfers, plus one night in Manila. All this makes the trip quite complicated (about a day or more on the way) and not at all budget-friendly.
And if summer holidays in the Philippines are not in high demand, then by winter interest in exotic islands increases. In addition, despite the "boutique" nature of the destination, the Philippines has its own loyal audience, as many major tour operators note. Tourists are already booking tours up until February 2026.
The Philippines do not occupy high positions in the rating of Southeast Asian countries among Russian tourists. This is primarily due to the relatively pure hotel base, weak promotion in the Russian tourism market, and logistical difficulties.
To get to the popular island of Boracay, the travelers from Russia need to fly to Manila or Cebu with at least one transfer (the total travel time when flying from Moscow to Manila with a stopover in Abu Dhabi is 16 hours 50 minutes), then take a domestic flight to the nearest airport (it takes 1 hour to fly from Manila to Boracay), then take a boat and only then by land to the hotel. This means at least two transfers, plus one night in Manila. All this makes the trip quite complicated (about a day or more on the way) and not at all budget-friendly.
And if summer holidays in the Philippines are not in high demand, then by winter interest in exotic islands increases. In addition, despite the "boutique" nature of the destination, the Philippines has its own loyal audience, as many major tour operators note. Tourists are already booking tours up until February 2026.
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Russians visit Pattaya more often and for longer periods
Russians began to travel to Pattaya more often with their families: the resort's infrastructure has changed, and prices are still loyal. Tour operators expect a further increase in demand.
In 2025, Pattaya traditionally follows Phuket in popularity among Russians among Thai resorts. But this year, the gap from the leader has noticeably narrowed, especially in the family vacation segment. According to tour operators' forecasts, by the end of summer 2025, sales of tours to Pattaya will exceed last year's for the same period by 15-30%.
Previously, Pattaya was chosen by budget tourists without children, but now there is an increase in demand from family tourists. Thus, FUN&SUN already has a third of all applications for tours in this direction for families with children. Among the reasons for this trend, experts point to the "transformation" of Pattaya, which is turning from a classic youth location into a model resort for families with children and generally demanding tourists. New hotels are appearing, including those with infrastructure for children, beaches, walking areas, roads are being improved, and work is underway to expand and modernize U-Tapao Airport.
Russians began to travel to Pattaya more often with their families: the resort's infrastructure has changed, and prices are still loyal. Tour operators expect a further increase in demand.
In 2025, Pattaya traditionally follows Phuket in popularity among Russians among Thai resorts. But this year, the gap from the leader has noticeably narrowed, especially in the family vacation segment. According to tour operators' forecasts, by the end of summer 2025, sales of tours to Pattaya will exceed last year's for the same period by 15-30%.
Previously, Pattaya was chosen by budget tourists without children, but now there is an increase in demand from family tourists. Thus, FUN&SUN already has a third of all applications for tours in this direction for families with children. Among the reasons for this trend, experts point to the "transformation" of Pattaya, which is turning from a classic youth location into a model resort for families with children and generally demanding tourists. New hotels are appearing, including those with infrastructure for children, beaches, walking areas, roads are being improved, and work is underway to expand and modernize U-Tapao Airport.
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The probability of the start of mass tourist trips to the DPRK was estimated In Russia
The new modern resort of Wonsan, recently built and equipped in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, may soon become popular with Russian tourists. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference following talks with DPRK Foreign Minister Choi Son Hee in Wonsan.
«Our North Korean friends are interested in having more Russians at the wonderful resort of Wonsan and other resorts in the DPRK. I have no doubt that this will happen»,- Lavrov emphasized.
However, according to Dmitry Gorin, Vice President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI), it is still difficult to talk about the start of mass tourist trips from Russia to the DPRK.
From a tourism point of view, this is a destination for which trips should only be planned on organized tours. Independent tourist trips to this country are currently impossible.
Nevertheless, Rosaviatsia has already issued permission for Nordwind to operate flights between Moscow and Pyongyang; flights will be operated twice a week.
Also, after a five-year break, the Pyongyang-Moscow train has resumed service, arriving at Moscow's Yaroslavsky Station on June 25. The train will operate twice a month, with travel time being just over eight days.
#DPRK
The new modern resort of Wonsan, recently built and equipped in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, may soon become popular with Russian tourists. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference following talks with DPRK Foreign Minister Choi Son Hee in Wonsan.
«Our North Korean friends are interested in having more Russians at the wonderful resort of Wonsan and other resorts in the DPRK. I have no doubt that this will happen»,- Lavrov emphasized.
However, according to Dmitry Gorin, Vice President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI), it is still difficult to talk about the start of mass tourist trips from Russia to the DPRK.
From a tourism point of view, this is a destination for which trips should only be planned on organized tours. Independent tourist trips to this country are currently impossible.
Nevertheless, Rosaviatsia has already issued permission for Nordwind to operate flights between Moscow and Pyongyang; flights will be operated twice a week.
Also, after a five-year break, the Pyongyang-Moscow train has resumed service, arriving at Moscow's Yaroslavsky Station on June 25. The train will operate twice a month, with travel time being just over eight days.
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