Overview of a new study on motorhomes and caravans
Analytical Center NAFI and the National Association of Automobile and Motorcycle Tourism and Caravanning released findings from a recent study. The research explored demand for motorhomes and caravans and assessed affordability as a key factor shaping potential purchases and rentals.
At a press briefing, Leysan Baimuratova, who directs digital economics research at the NAFI Analytical Center, noted that among Russians who travel by car, the interest in motorhomes and caravans is substantial. When prices are accessible, 77% of car travelers would consider buying a motorhome and 61% would consider purchasing a caravan. The willingness to rent these mobile accommodations is similarly strong, she explained at the Za Rulem magazine press center.
Denis Manko, head of the Autotraveler project on roadside service development, added that campers and trailers are positioned as the future of Russian motor tourism.
Choosing between motorhome and caravan
Demand is highest among younger travelers aged 25 to 34, with 88% showing interest in motorhomes and 84% in caravans. The profile of likely buyers is consistent: individuals aged 25 to 44 who have families. This alignment makes sense because both options provide essential amenities such as a toilet, shower, stove, refrigerator, heating, air conditioning, and a bed; the motorhome integrates these features into a van, while a caravan offers them in a trailer form.
As part of the survey, 1600 respondents were interviewed. The sample was drawn from Rosstat data to reflect the Russian population by gender, age, education, and type of settlement, with a data error margin not exceeding 3.1%.
Vehicle travel remains a popular form of tourism in Russia. In the summer of 2022, 67% of the population traveled by car, with 12% doing so for the first time.
Reported price ranges show campers from 700 thousand to 30 million rubles, influenced by configuration and year. Daily rental rates for motorhomes span 7,000 to 25,000 rubles, while caravans can be bought for 350 thousand to 4 million rubles and rented for 2,000 to 10,000 rubles per day. Some consumers view motorhomes as less affordable, yet the head of Touringcars’ Russian office, Maxim Migunov, emphasized that a single night in a purchased motorhome can be comparable to a hotel stay in cost.
There is a more economical option in the trailer market, exemplified by the model priced at 1.5 to 8 thousand rubles per day for rent and 600 thousand to 2.5 million rubles to buy. The association highlights manufacturers such as Lower in Nizhny Novgorod and Freedom in Saint Petersburg as notable producers.
Interest in motor tourism continues to rise according to the association, with more than half of hotels and motels offering caravan parking, electricity access, and sanitation facilities for travelers in caravans.
Competition and codes for autotourists
During the briefing, association leaders announced a new nationwide competition titled the Russian Code of Autotourist, launched on February 20, 2023. The goal is to establish principles and rules for car and motorcycle travel that respect cultural, religious, and ethical norms, while promoting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. The tourism sector, car travelers, and the motorcycle community all stand to benefit from clear standards.
The jury comprised a State Duma deputy and tourism experts. The competition rules were made available for reference. Participants were invited to contribute to a national anthem for autotourists and to submit projects in the Student Competition category. Industry representatives, car travelers, and motorcycle communities were invited to assess design codes in the Tourist Community nomination, with diplomas and prizes awarded to top contributors.
Growing role for drivers as car tourists
Alexey Nesterenko, vice-chairman of the Driving Schools of Russia Guild, proposed introducing autotourist principles to students in driving schools. He noted that Russia has a large number of driving schools and graduates an estimated 1.5 million new drivers annually, many of whom will become part of the car tourism community and contribute to national unity and civic education.
The call for applications to the All-Russian league began on February 20, 2023, with a deadline set for June 1. The judging process was scheduled to conclude by mid-September. The organizing committee operates within the National Association of Automotive Tourism and Caravanning. For further details, readers can consult the association’s communications channels, while general information is expected to be shared through official announcements and public discussions.
Overall, the movement frames every driver as a car tourist, underscoring a broader cultural trend toward road-based exploration and responsible mobility.