Russia Witnesses a 12% Surge in Newly Registered Tour Companies
In a surprising turn of events, Russia's internal tourism, product retail, and education sectors have soared in Q1 2025, leaving analysts bewildered and optimistic.
According to a study by Tochka bank and platforms Calltouch and hh.ru, as reported by Izvestia, these sectors have posted significant year-over-year growth. Tourism, for instance, gained an impressive 36 points, reaching 71 points, product retail climbed 21 points to 59, and education saw a modest 9-point increase, reaching 69.
The tourism sector has been on a rollercoaster ride since 2024, with travel companies' turnover skyrocketing by 38%. Analysts attribute this growth to early bookings, the popularity of road trips, and a 4% increase in domestic tourist flow (SberIndex data). The industry's momentum didn't slow down in Q1 2025; travel company registrations increased by 12%, new employees by 4%, and the median salary in the industry rose an impressive 20% to 79,300 rubles.
That's not all. The number of people visiting travel company websites more than doubled, skyrocketing by 119%. The number of people searching for offers through search engines also surged, by 187%. Recognizing this shift, companies have ramped up their marketing efforts, promoting themselves through websites, social media, regional media, and tourism exhibitions, Calltouch CEO Arthur Sarkisyan noted.
Product retail, despite a clean (inflation-adjusted) turnover growth of 0.39% over the year, is another sector that refuses to be left behind. Companies are developing delivery services, strengthening their presence on marketplaces, and large networks are expanding into regions and acquiring local players. The median salary in retail also increased by 20%, to 71,300 rubles, similar to the increase in tourism.
The education sector's growth is primarily driven by business education and companies' active investments in employee training. In Q1 2025, revenue in the adult education segment increased by 10% year-on-year to 12.3 billion rubles. Analysts predict that the market volume could reach 32 billion rubles by the end of the year and 52 billion rubles by 2030. In the first three months of 2025, educational companies' turnover grew by 0.63% compared to the same period last year, and the median salary in the industry increased by 14% to 71,233 rubles.
Interestingly, DK.RU reported that the number of new seller registrations on Russian online platforms decreased by 7% in 2024 compared to 2023, marking the first decline in e-commerce after continuous growth since 2019.
Now, with international travel becoming almost inaccessible, Russians have been forced to explore historical, cultural, and natural attractions within the country. If you're intrigued by what Russia has to offer, read materials from DK.RU's project "What haven't I seen yet?" for some exciting insights.
These trends suggest that despite economic and geopolitical challenges, Russia's consumer and service-based sectors are showing incredible adaptability and resilience. It's a fascinating time to watch as these sectors continue to evolve and grow.
- Amidst the surge in domestic tourism, individuals are increasingly seeking unique travel experiences within Russia, such as exploring historical, cultural, and natural attractions.
- As the popularity of road trips and early bookings contribute to the growth of the tourism sector, many travel companies are investing in marketing strategies like website promotion, social media, and regional media to reach potential clients.
