Russia sees sharp surge in tourism from abroad
Russia welcomed four million foreign tourists between January and November 2024, a 40% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov.
The minister credited the growth to comprehensive efforts at promoting Russia’s brand in new markets, making cross-border entry easier, and improving hospitality infrastructure, in a statement released to the media on Thursday. The ministry aims to hit a target of 16 million tourist trips to the country per year by 2030.
A government-commissioned poll has found that Russia was viewed as a promising tourist spot by 94% of respondents in Iran, 91% in the UAE, 89% in India, 88% in Saudi Arabia, and 78% in China and Oman.
Russia’s nature, diversity, cities, landmarks, friendly locals, and affordable prices make it attractive to potential visitors, according to the survey. Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan are the most popular destinations for foreign tourists, but there is growing interest in the Russian Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad and the Northern Caucasus region, the ministry said.
The survey was conducted among adult residents of large cities who were relatively high-earners and had a record of international travel, the statement said. Depending on the country, respondents said they were willing to spend as much as $7,500 per person on tourism abroad.
Last week, the ministry released general statistics on tourism in Russia in 2024, estimating that between January and November almost 80 million people took trips, including both Russians and foreign visitors. The figure demonstrates 11% growth year on year, the statement added.
