Tourists from Russia continue to travel to Thailand, yet Vietnam is experiencing a surge in popularity among tourists.
Thailand vs Vietnam: Gaining Favor Among Russian Tourists
In a twist, while Thailand continues to charm Russian tourists, Vietnam has seen a colossal surge this summer. As per Artur Muradyan, Vice-President of the Russian Tour Operators Association and CEO of Space Travel, Russia will witness a whopping 25% rise in outbound travel by the season's end.
At the le'TO 2025 annual tourism awards briefing, Muradyan revealed that over 6.4 million Russians anticipate traveling abroad this summer, marking a substantial 37.5% hike from the same period in 2021.
This surge comprises both leisure and business trips. The primary drivers behind this growth spurt are a stronger rouble and reduced airfares across popular destinations.
As for the hotspots, Turkey and Abkhazia lead the pack, but emerging destinations like Vietnam, Egypt, China, Malaysia, Morocco, South Korea, Japan, Seychelles, and lesser-known regions such as parts of Indonesia outside Bali, the Philippines, and Malaysia, are catching up.
Africa has also experienced an unexpected rise, with South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania drawing considerable interest. Neighboring countries such as Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Kazakhstan are attracting Russian tourists, especially Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan's Caspian Sea for seaside holidays.
One fascinating newcomer to the mix is Saudi Arabia, where a luxury resort on the Red Sea is gaining traction. Alexander Musikhin, Vice-President of ATOR and CEO of Intourist, reported that Russia and China now have 96 flights per week, only trailing Turkey.
In terms of Vietnam, its appeal lies in its offering of both scenic beaches and immersive cultural excursions. The extension of visa waivers for Russian citizens, coupled with easier travel arrangements, has certainly boosted the influx of Russian tourists, giving an impressive 140% increase in visitors this summer.
Behind the Scenes:- Easier Travel Arrangements: The launch of new direct and charter flights, particularly from 11 Russian cities to Cam Ranh, has significantly facilitated travel between Russia and Vietnam [2][5].- Visa Waivers: The Vietnamese Government has extended visa waivers for Russian citizens until 2028, simplifying travel planning [5].- Economic Factors: The stronger Russian rouble and lower airfares have made international travel more affordable and accessible [2].- Growing Popularity of Vietnam as a Destination: Vietnam offers captivating cultural experiences and scenic landscapes that are appealing to Russians seeking fresh adventures [1][3].
- The surge in international travel among Russian tourists this summer extends to Vietnam, with a remarkable 140% increase in visitors due to easier travel arrangements, extended visa waivers, and attractive economic factors.
- The growing popularity of Vietnam as a travel destination among Russians can be attributed to its captivating cultural experiences and scenic landscapes, making it an enticing choice for those seeking fresh adventures.
- In the realm of business, Vietnam's allure extends beyond its stunning locales, as it offers a fertile ground for Russian businesses and lifestyles, contributing to the overall rise in outbound travel this summer.