Where Will Russians Travel in 2025? Top Destinations and Emerging Trends

In recent years, despite the complex geopolitical context, the number of Russian citizens traveling to tourist destinations has continued to grow. According to TASS, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) states that in 2024, trips to the top 25 tourist destinations increased by 15.4% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 17.4 million. 

Among the most popular destinations, Turkey dominates the market with a 38.5% share, followed by the United Arab Emirates (11.4%), China (10.9%), Thailand (10%), Abkhazia (8.6%), and Egypt (8.5%). These six destinations alone account for 88% of all outbound Russian tourism. Notably, China has seen a remarkable 96.5% increase in Russian travelers, likely due to the post-pandemic revival of economic and tourism ties. 

Another emerging trend is the growing interest in the Russian Arctic. The allure of the Far North—its untouched nature, indigenous traditions, and adventurous appeal—is attracting more and more visitors. However, the current infrastructure struggles to meet demand: in 2024, only 1.2 million people visited the Arctic, less than 1% of total domestic travel. This number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, thanks to infrastructure development and the introduction of new cruise routes. 

Travel to former Soviet republics is also on the rise, with particularly strong growth in Georgia (+21.5%), Azerbaijan (+25.8%), and Uzbekistan (+28.8%). This trend suggests that many Russians see these destinations as affordable and culturally familiar alternatives. 

At Twissen, we observe that, despite geopolitical challenges, Russian tourism continues to expand. Turkey and other traditional destinations remain key, while new trends emerge—such as Arctic exploration and stronger tourism ties within the post-Soviet space. The growth in travel to China highlights a deepening cooperation between the two nations, while the demand for exotic destinations like Vietnam and the Maldives reflects a desire for more diverse travel experiences. 

Twissen