This yr, international vacationers buy extra excursions for the New 12 months holidays in Russia than final yr. As an example, in December, Tour Operator Intourist reported that the gross sales of New 12 months vacation excursions practically tripled in comparison with December of the earlier yr. The New 12 months holidays in Russia will begin on Sunday, December 29, and can proceed for 11 days, concluding on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Though winter is often thought-about a off-season for inbound tourism in Russia, by October and November, only some rooms have been out there in high quality inns within the heart of Moscow for the New 12 months interval. Inbound tour operators have to take distinctive efforts to safe lodging for these holidays. The scenario is analogous in St. Petersburg, the place all standard inns within the greater worth vary are absolutely booked.
The place Do Overseas Vacationers Come from?
In winter, Russia attracts many vacationers from the Center East and China. Consultants report a major enhance in inbound tourism from the UAE. Russia is a visa-free vacation spot for UAE residents, with ample air transportation out there.
In addition to the UAE, many international vacationers come from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. Residents of those international locations can receive an digital visa to enter Russia inside 4 days. Though Qatar can be a promising marketplace for inbound tourism to Russia, its residents don’t qualify for the digital visa program.
China stays the main supply of international vacationers to Russia, with the variety of vacationers from this nation far exceeding that of some other nation. Based on FSB statistics, from January to September 2024, Chinese language residents made 731,800 journeys to Russia for tourism, practically seven instances greater than final yr, when there have been solely 105,800 visits.
As compared, Germany ranked second, with 52,300 vacationers visiting Russia throughout this time, a 24% enhance yr on yr. Different international locations within the prime 5 included Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkey.
Notably, the variety of vacationer journeys from the UAE to Russia doubled within the first 9 months of this yr, reaching 43,200. India additionally skilled an analogous development, with 17,700 journeys. Nonetheless, essentially the most important surge got here from Saudi Arabia, the place the variety of vacationer journeys to Russia skyrocketed practically twelvefold in a yr, totaling 39,100.
The place Will Foreigners Spend the New 12 months’s Eve?
Moscow is historically the preferred winter vacation vacation spot for international vacationers. The Russian capital is the primary entry level for guests, particularly these from the Center East. Whereas many vacationers are inclined to spend their total trip in Moscow, there was a noticeable enhance briefly journeys to St. Petersburg and Kazan over the previous yr. St. Petersburg has established itself as a major vacation spot, though it nonetheless attracts fewer guests than Moscow. Kazan and Sochi have additionally begun to see some curiosity, albeit in smaller numbers.
Consultants attribute Moscow’s recognition for New 12 months holidays to the provision of flights, environment friendly logistics, and alternatives for enterprise conferences. Moreover, winter journeys to St. Petersburg are gaining attraction, both as a part of a package deal or as standalone visits. Overseas vacationers are additionally excited by touring to Lake Baikal year-round, each in winter and summer season. Moreover, there may be rising curiosity in northern cities like Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, the place guests can expertise the lights of the north.
Overseas company sometimes search particular person excursions, personalised providers, and winter actions. Common choices embrace husky rides, out-of-town journeys, gourmand excursions, stays in eco-hotels, visits to the circus, and excessive excursions utilizing SUVs or navy automobiles. Notably, Chinese language teams take pleasure in driving tanks within the forests of the Moscow area and taking icebreaker cruises alongside the Moscow River.
