Russian tourists prefer vacationing in a different location, not the Maldives, due to its accessibility and affordability.
In the heart of Russia, a vibrant community on Telegram discusses life in Magadan and the Magadan region. Meanwhile, a significant shift is occurring in the travel preferences of Russian tourists.
A recent report by "TurProm" reveals that Russian travelers are opting for more budget-friendly destinations, such as Belarus, Abkhazia, Turkey, Egypt, and Thailand, over traditional "dream" locations like Cuba, the Maldives, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, and the Philippines.
This trend is primarily driven by economic factors and a growing preference for accessible, affordable, and family-friendly vacations.
Affordability is a key factor, with budget destinations consistently offering lower prices on accommodation, food, and services. For instance, Crimean locations like Kerch and Saki have average nightly prices around 3,800–4,000 rubles, making them very cost-effective compared to more expensive dream destinations. Similarly, Pattaya in Thailand remains popular due to "loyal" prices and increasing family-oriented infrastructure.
Accessibility and travel convenience also play a significant role. Destinations closer to Russia or with improved logistics are favored. Improvements such as airport expansions (e.g., U-Tapao Airport near Pattaya) and direct transport options facilitate travel to these budget-friendly places. Crimea sees strong domestic tourism driven by visitors traveling by their own transport.
Family-friendly infrastructure is another attractive feature of budget destinations. Pattaya, for example, is shifting from youth-oriented resorts to family-friendly ones, with new hotels, beaches, and amenities tailored for children, attracting more families from Russia.
Geopolitical and economic factors also influence these choices. The ongoing economic situation and geopolitical constraints may limit access or increase the expense of far-flung dream destinations, making more regional or budget alternatives attractive. Popular destinations within or near Russia offer cultural familiarity, lower costs, and reduced travel complexity, which align with current traveler priorities.
There is also a noticeable trend towards immersive, culturally rich, and comfortable experiences over simply iconic dream locations. Some Russian travelers now prefer domestic touring or nearby countries offering substantial cultural and leisure experiences without the premium price tag.
Analysts at "Tutu" have compared Russians' travel dreams with their actual choices, attributing the choice of vacation spots to a combination of lower prices and geographical proximity. Experts advise choosing travel destinations that fit one's budget.
However, it's important to note that while budget destinations are popular, the desire to travel to Cuba, the Maldives, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, and the Philippines remains among Russian tourists. Price calendars, discounts, and last-minute deals can help get closer to one's dream destination.
In August, unforgettable travel destinations in Russia are currently available, and some tourists are choosing to explore Cheap Europe with beaches resembling Greece but prices lower than Turkey. Yet, some tourists are rejecting vacationing in the Kuban region.
In conclusion, the preference for destinations like Belarus, Abkhazia, Turkey, Egypt, and Thailand over more exotic and costly places is driven mainly by cost-effectiveness, improved family-oriented facilities, travel convenience, and evolving traveler priorities in the current economic and geopolitical climate affecting Russian tourists.
- In light of the changing travel preferences of Russians, a shift towards budget-travel destinations such as Belarus, Abkhazia, Turkey, Egypt, and Thailand has become evident, with these countries offering affordable prices on accommodation, food, and services, making them appealing for families and tourists seeking cost-effective vacations.
- As a result of the current economic climate and geopolitical factors, there is a growing trend among Russian tourists to opt for budget-travel destinations like Pattaya in Thailand and Crimean locations in Russia, due to their lower costs, increased family-friendly infrastructure, and improved travel convenience, aligning with their desire for immersive, culturally rich experiences that are more affordable than traditional "dream" locations.
