Arab tourists conquer Russian slopes
After visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg, tourists from the Persian Gulf countries are increasingly visiting the mountain resorts of Sochi.

Tour operators note that tourists from the UAE and Bahrain are the most frequent visitors to Sochi, with an increasing number of tourists from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. These are typically those…
https://russtd.com/arab-tourists-conquer-russian-slopes.html

Sri Lanka and India update entry rules
Starting October 15, 2025, visas on arrival in Sri Lanka will no longer be available: entry will be possible only with a pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This must be obtained through the official Online Visa Application portal. Authorities believe this change will reduce queues at airports during peak season by reducing congestion…
https://russtd.com/sri-lanka-and-india-update-entry-rules.html

A Russian hotel chain brand is entering the Cuban market for the first time
Cosmos Hotel Group, Russia's leading national hotel operator, and Gaviota S.A., one of Cuba's largest tour operators, have signed a management agreement for the 5-star Sierra Cristal Hotel, located in the Cuban resort of Holguin.

The five-star Sierra Cristal by Cosmos Hotels hotel complex was built last year. It is designed for 640 rooms…
https://russtd.com/a-russian-hotel-chain-brand-is-entering-the-cuban-market-for-the-first-time.html

The most popular destinations for Russians during the New Year holidays
According to aggregated data from leading tour operators, the UAE, Thailand, Egypt, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are among the TOP-5 most booked foreign destinations for the New Year holidays.

These countries account for a significant share of total sales: according to various estimates, the UAE currently accounts for 21% to 29%, Thailand for…
https://russtd.com/the-most-popular-destinations-for-russians-during-the-new-year-holidays.html

EU entry rules have changed for Russians: what has replaced the passport stamp
On October 12, the Entry/Exit System (EES) officially launched in the European Union. It is designed to register the actual entry and exit of all tourists and short-term visitors who do not hold citizenship of EU countries within the Schengen Area. Upon first crossing the border, travelers will be required not only to present a passport and visa…
https://russtd.com/eu-entry-rules-have-changed-for-russians-what-has-replaced-the-passport-stamp.html

A ski resort will open in Russia above the Arctic Circle
In 2028, in the heart of the Russian Arctic, above the Arctic Circle, a landmark event for the entire tourism world will take place: the opening of the first polar ski resort Ray-Iz.
This ambitious project is being implemented by the Government of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (YaNAO) with the support of Gazprombank and leading management…
https://russtd.com/a-ski-resort-will-open-in-russia-above-the-arctic-circle.html

Kazakhstan participated in the WTM London 2025
According to Kazinform, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the exhibition, held from November 4 to 6, was attended by over 38,000 tourism professionals from around the world and 3,900 exhibitors.

Kazakhstan was represented by a delegation from Almaty. The country's stand attracted international buyers,…
https://russtd.com/kazakhstan-participated-in-the-wtm-london-2025.html

How many Russian tourists fly abroad and which airlines
According to Rosaviatsia data presented in September and October 2025, Russia currently has direct air service to 41 countries. International passenger flights from Russia are operated by 21 Russian airlines and 65 foreign ones.

Seven destinations (India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cuba, the Maldives, the Seychelles, and Indonesia) are served…
https://russtd.com/how-many-russian-tourists-fly-abroad-and-which-airlines.html

Schengen visas for Russian citizens after the European Commission's decision
On November 7, the European Commission (EC) published a decision regarding the visa issuance procedure for Russian citizens. The document, titled «On the establishment of adapted rules for issuing multiple-entry visas to citizens of the Russian Federation residing in Russia and applying for short-term visas at the consulates of EU countries in the…
https://russtd.com/schengen-visas-for-russian-citizens-after-the-european-commissions-decision.html

Finnish region loses €1 million per day without Russian tourists
In the autumn of 2023, the Finnish government closed its border with Russia due to an influx of migrants from the Middle East and Africa. Helsinki blames Moscow for this. Russia denied the accusations and stated that it «has no capacity to prevent third-country nationals from reaching the Finnish border».

According to Bloomberg, as a result,…
https://russtd.com/finnish-region-loses-€1-million-per-day-without-russian-tourists.html

Russian hotel business after the departure of foreign owners
The Russian hotel market has undergone systemic changes in recent years, with both the balance of power in terms of management and the approach to replenishing hotel rooms among the largest players shifting.

Chain management companies have held and continue to hold a dominant position in the market (approximately 70%). The remainder, accordingly,…
https://russtd.com/russian-hotel-business-after-the-departure-of-foreign-owners.html

Russia's gambling zones have already welcomed 1.7 million guests in 2025
Russia currently has four gambling zones: «Sibirskaya Moneta» in the Altai Krai, «Primorye» in the Primorsky Krai, «Yantarnaya» 50 km from Kaliningrad and «Krasnaya Polyana» in Sochi. From January to November 2025, they welcomed over 1.7 million guests. During the same period in 2024, they welcomed approximately 1.67 million guests. The year-on-year…
https://russtd.com/russias-gambling-zones-have-already-welcomed-1.7-million-guests-in-2025.html

A mysterious country opens up to Russians
North Korea, considered the most closed country in the world, opened to Russians in 2024. A year later, in the third quarter of 2025, Russian tourist traffic there reached a historic high – 3,460 tourists visited the republic.

In their reviews after personally meeting North Korea, Russians described it not as a country of «a thousand prohibitions»,…
https://russtd.com/a-mysterious-country-opens-up-to-russians.html

Russia has waved visas for Chinese citizens
Starting September 15, 2025, China introduced a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree granting visa-free entry to Russia for Chinese citizens. They will now be able to enter the country visa-free for 30 days until September 14, 2026. The document will come into force on…
https://russtd.com/russia-has-waved-visas-for-chinese-citizens.html

Thailand will set a historic record for Russian tourist flow by the end of 2025
The Moscow office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) released the latest tourist arrival statistics. According to these data, the growth in demand for Thailand, which began last month, continues.

In the first 11 months of 2025, Thailand welcomed 1,632,624 Russian citizens, an increase of 9.18% compared to the same period last year…
https://russtd.com/thailand-will-set-a-historic-record-for-russian-tourist-flow-by-the-end-of-2025.html

Kolkheti National Park is the winner of the World Travel Awards
Georgia's Kolkheti National Park has been named «Georgia's Leading National Park 2025» by the prestigious World Travel Awards. This recognition reinforces Kolkheti Park's importance as one of the country's most important natural symbols.

The park is located in western Georgia, between the Black Sea coast and the Colchis Lowland. It covers…
https://russtd.com/kolkheti-national-park-is-the-winner-of-the-world-travel-awards.html

The Philippines Is All Set To Host the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Mactan, Cebu
Cebu, Philippines, 21 November 2025 – The Philippines, host country of the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), is set to take centre stage as it welcomes the global travel industry to Mactan, Cebu, for ATF 2026, happening from 27 January to 4 February 2026.

Bringing together a dynamic mix of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, National Tourism Organisations…
https://russtd.com/the-philippines-is-all-set-to-host-the-45th-asean-tourism-forum-(atf)-2026-in-mactan,-cebu.html

Mexico is planning to open direct flights from Russia
The Mexican Tourism Bureau is negotiating with two Russian airlines to resume direct flights between the two countries, the Mexican embassy in Moscow told RIA Novosti.

As Jorge González, head of the Mexican Association of UNESCO World Heritage Cities, noted, Russian tourists are welcome, not only on the beaches but also on excursion tours:…
https://russtd.com/mexico-is-planning-to-open-direct-flights-from-russia.html

Ski tours to Europe: visas and logistics
The demand for ski tours to Europe in the 2025/2026 season increased by 10-15% compared to the last year, according to major Russian tour operators. Italy, France, Austria and Switzerland are still the leaders in popularity.

The core of demand is formed by proven Alpine resorts: French Courchevel and Val d'Isere (Three Valleys region),…
https://russtd.com/ski-tours-to-europe-visas-and-logistics.html

A Norwegian low-cost airline will connect the capitals of Georgia and Denmark
Norwegian low-cost carrier Norwegian will begin operating direct scheduled flights on the Copenhagen-Tbilisi-Copenhagen route starting June 27, 2026, the Union of Georgian Airports announced.

According to the Union, for the first time in history, flights between the capitals of the Kingdom of Denmark and Georgia will operate twice a week.
https://russtd.com/a-norwegian-low-cost-airline-will-connect-the-capitals-of-georgia-and-denmark.html

Meet Global Mice Congress in Moscow welcomed participants from 35 countries
December 17-18, Moscow hosted the Meet Global MICE Congress (MGMC), the largest international business tourism event in Russia.

In 2025, MGMC was held for the third time and this year it met more than 2.5 thousand representatives of the industry, relevant departments, associations, corporate customers and organizers of business events from…
https://russtd.com/meet-global-mice-congress-in-moscow-welcomed-participants-from-35-countries.html