The Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) has offered its insight into where Russians might be headed in summer 2025. A healthy 24.8% jump in foreign travel is anticipated compared to the year before, it seems. Turkey is still the big draw, no doubt, but watch out for Vietnam, Egypt, and China – they’re making waves and could shake up where Russians choose to spend their holidays.
Turkey Holds Strong, but Competitors Gain Ground
Turkey is still expected to be the summer holiday choice, with ATOR predicting over 3.1 million Russian tourists in 2025, about 15% more than last year. Rounding out the top five after Turkey are Abkhazia, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. Though Turkey’s beach appeal is hard to beat, its growth might be seen as fairly steady when you look at the fast-paced expansion happening elsewhere.
Vietnam, Egypt, and China See Rapid Growth
Vietnam is really standing out, with a potential 140% increase in Russian tourists for the 2025 summer. The reason? New charter flights and more regular flights, making it easier to get there. Egypt is also expecting a good boost, maybe 45% more visitors, thanks to expanded flight options from tour operators. And don’t forget China, which is seeing more travel, up about 25%, partly because getting between Russia and China is now much easier – transport options have gone up 60%.
Thailand is also seeing more Russian tourists during the summer, while Abkhazia is keeping up a moderate pace right alongside Turkey.
Factors Driving Demand
A few things are making Russians want to travel more. The ruble has gotten stronger since spring, meaning more spending power for those abroad. And cheaper flights to popular spots don’t hurt either. Those new charter flights to Vietnam have been a big deal, sparking interest even if some flights involve a change or two.
ATOR thinks around 6.4 million Russians will head overseas for holidays or business in summer 2025, compared to 5.15 million last year. This rise reflects not just a bit of economic improvement, but better travel too, generally speaking.
Turkey’s Dominance and Flexible Sales
While a 15% increase for Turkey is nothing to sneeze at, ATOR also mentions that real sales could change during the season, depending on what people want. As the top pick for beach vacations, just how well Turkey does will affect how accurate ATOR’s overall forecast turns out.
A Dynamic Summer Ahead
Summer 2025 looks set to be an exciting time for Russian travelers; it is generally hoped that Turkey will stay on top, but places like Vietnam, Egypt, and China are emerging as interesting alternatives. With money and better flights boosting demand, the Russian foreign travel market is in a good position for noticeable growth, giving holidaymakers all sorts of choices, from sun to culture to adventure.