Russian tourists return to Europe and actively explore China

Air tickets to France or Italy can be bought for 25-40 thousand

Mobile operators summed up the results of the New Year holidays and reported in which countries roaming services were most in demand. It turned out that, despite the foreign policy situation, the interest of Russian tourists in Europe is gradually recovering – the tourist flow increased by 8.5% compared to last year. At the same time, China is recording a 10-fold increase in tourist flows.

In total, 11% more Russians went abroad during the past New Year holidays compared to last year’s winter holidays. Most of all, according to the study, the total tourist flow to European countries this season increased by 8.5%. At the same time, the best dynamics were demonstrated by Italy (+47%), Germany (+34%), France (+27%). In terms of year-on-year growth, Iceland leads among European countries – it was visited by 3 times more Russians. The leader in terms of decline in popularity among European countries was Finland – the New Year’s flow there decreased by 71%.

Europe really is not as inaccessible as some would like to believe. The cheapest ticket from Moscow to Rome and back (via Yerevan) in February 2024 will cost 25 thousand rubles, and to Venice – 29 thousand. As for France, you can fly to Paris and back for 40 thousand rubles (with a transfer in Antalya), and to Nice for 45 thousand with a transfer in Istanbul. These two countries, along with Spain, Portugal and Greece, are considered the most loyal to Russian tourists after the introduction of sanctions. You can get to Germany, where an increase in the number of guests from Russia is also recorded, for 31-32 thousand rubles (a round-trip ticket to Berlin or Munich with a transfer in Istanbul), but this option is suitable primarily for those who already have a valid Schengen visa – getting a new one at the German consulate is now very difficult.

The number of tourist trips to China has increased tenfold compared to last year. A ticket to Beijing will cost significantly more – 77 thousand rubles if you fly on a direct flight, and 45-50 thousand if you agree to a connecting flight. To Shanghai is even more expensive – almost 100 thousand for a direct flight and 60-65 thousand for a ticket with a transfer.

As for African countries, according to mobile operators, Algeria showed the best dynamics – the increase in tourist flow to this country amounted to 182%. 168% more Russians went to Mauritius, the popularity of Morocco increased by 65% ​​and Egypt by 19%. However, there may be another explanation: the countries of northern Africa are often used as stopovers when flying to Europe. For example, there are many connecting flights from Moscow to Paris via Algeria, and they offer to get to Lisbon or Madrid with a transfer in Casablanca or Cairo. So it is possible that some of the visitors are only those who need a transplant. However, Egypt itself is popular: in recent years, Russian tourists have tried not only traditional beach tours, but also excursion ones – for example, cruises on the Nile.

Russians’ interest in the Middle East is growing. 17% more tourists went to the UAE than last year (it’s not for nothing that some tourists already affectionately call the main city of the Emirates “Dubaisk”).