With less than two months remaining until New Year`s Eve, it is the optimal time to commence preparations for the holiday season

While some consumers begin purchasing luxury items such as caviar and champagne, others are engaged in planning their travel arrangements. In Russia, a notable number of individuals have already begun making their travel plans, with data from the "Sletat.ru" service indicating a 4.6-fold increase in demand for New Year's tours during the summer months compared to the previous year. However, the majority of bookings are made in October and November.

Despite the current trend towards domestic tourism, many residents of our country are seeking a change of scenery during the winter months and are opting for holidays in hot countries. Osman Tav, First Deputy General Director of Coral Travel, states that this season the most popular foreign destinations are Egypt, the UAE, Thailand and Turkey. According to Anex, the top five destinations are Thailand, Egypt, the UAE, Sri Lanka and India (Goa), with Egypt and the UAE experiencing the highest sales growth compared to last year. What factors influence Russian tourists' decisions to choose these countries?

Thailand offers a comfortable climate, picturesque scenery and a wide range of resorts to suit every taste, making it an attractive destination for winter tourism. However, it should be noted that the Russian market is not solely focused on beach destinations. One of the emerging trends is educational travel, including yacht cruises on the Andaman Sea, visits to national parks, tours of rice fields, vineyards, and coffee plantations. The Thai government is responding to the growing interest of Russian tourists by developing new tourism products and services. This includes the opening of new hotels, an increase in the number of Russian-speaking guides, and the introduction of new tourist destinations and holiday experiences.

Egypt has long been a popular winter holiday destination for Russian residents, offering affordable prices and a wide range of charter flights. Many hotels provide children's playgrounds, special pools and water parks, making them ideal for family holidays. Additionally, the country has seen a significant growth in the VIP tourism segment, attracting affluent travellers.

The UAE is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Russian tourists, in part due to its excellent transport links. This year has seen a significant increase in the number of flights to the most popular destinations, namely Dubai and Sharjah. In addition, charters to the northernmost emirate of Ras al-Khaimah have also become available. According to the tour operator Space Travel, high demand for New Year tours to the UAE was noted back in September, with many popular hotels reaching full capacity. In the United Arab Emirates, tourists have the option to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of luxury and rich nightlife in Dubai, relax in the family resorts of Ras al-Khaimah or enjoy the extraordinary landscapes of Sharjah.

While Sri Lanka and Goa share similar climates and are geographically proximate, each destination possesses distinctive characteristics. One of the key benefits of Sri Lanka is the free visa available to Russian visitors. The country offers a range of attractions that will appeal to tourists, particularly those with an interest in spiritual practices and Buddhist culture. The island is home to several iconic sights, including the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Temple of the Tooth, which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Holy City of Kandy.

However, unlike Sri Lanka, the Indian state of Goa offers a wider choice of budget hotels, mainly located in the north. This part of Goa is therefore usually considered to be more youthful and geared towards partying. In contrast, the southern part is intended for more affluent tourists and families with children, who will appreciate the snow-white beaches and gentle sea.

You can visit the stands of these and other countries at the 31st MITT International Travel & Hospitality Show.

All major winter outbound tourism destinations were represented at MITT 2024: Egypt, Turkey, Thailand, UAE, Sri Lanka, India, China, Cuba and others. At the national stands, visitors could learn about the most interesting and favorable offers of tour operators and travel agencies, hotels and resorts, as well as air carriers. The exhibition was attended by both international companies with a worldwide reputation and local businesses providing services in the spheres of medical, business and other types of tourism.

We are sure that you will find an equally exciting and rewarding programme waiting for you!

Join the MITT International Travel & Hospitality Show to be held on 18 - 20 March 2025 in Moscow (Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 1).

Winter Tourism: In Which Countries Will Russians Celebrate The New Year?