Russians opt for Karelia as summer destination in 2025, following beach pollution incidents in Anapa.
**Headline:** Russian Tourists Adapt to New Destinations in 2025 as Anapa Remains Popular
In 2025, a notable shift occurred in Russian tourism as some travellers opted for alternative destinations instead of the traditional Black Sea coast vacation spot, Anapa. Despite this change, the overall number of travelling citizens remained stable, according to Maya Lomidze, the head of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).
Lomidze reported that the market for travel to Anapa showed resilience, with tourists who could not travel to the town finding worthy alternatives. Among the popular choices were the coasts of the Caspian and Baltic seas, as well as the picturesque lakes of Karelia.
Turkey emerged as the top alternative destination, with over 3.1 million Russians expected to visit, representing a 15% increase from the previous year. Vietnam saw explosive growth, with a projected 140% increase in Russian tourists due to newly added charter and regular flights. Egypt also experienced a sharp rise in visitor numbers, around 45%, boosted by expanded flight options from Russian tour operators.
China recorded a 25% increase in Russian tourists, helped by improved transport connectivity, including a 60% increase in transport options between the two countries. Jordan became a newly viable option after a groundbreaking visa-free travel deal with Russia, while the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia also gained popularity among Russian tourists.
The availability of direct flights and visa facilitation agreements greatly influenced destination choices, promoting multi-destination and longer regional itineraries, especially within the Middle East. Travel agencies adapted by tailoring offers with language support and cultural sensitivity to accommodate Russian tourists' preferences, indicating a shift toward more curated, multidimensional holiday experiences.
Despite the popularity of alternative destinations, the stability of the overall number of travelling citizens was a notable aspect in 2025. Lomidze emphasized the market's resilience in regards to travel to Anapa, with tourists deprived of the opportunity to relax in Anapa finding worthy alternatives, not abandoning their vacation plans in 2025.
In conclusion, Russian tourists in 2025 shifted their focus from traditional domestic resorts like Anapa to a broader set of international destinations characterized by improved access, visa-free travel, and tailored travel experiences. This trend reflected a significant diversification in Russian outbound tourism.
- Despite the change in destinations, Russian tourists, unable to travel to Anapa, found suitable alternatives in the coasts of the Caspian and Baltic seas, the picturesque lakes of Karelia, and various international locations like Turkey, Vietnam, Egypt, China, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
- In fashioning their vacation plans for 2025, the Russian tourists prioritized destinations that offered direct flights, visa facilitation, and accommodations sensitive to their preferences, indicating a growing interest in diverse and curated holiday experiences beyond the traditional Black Sea coast resorts like Anapa.
