At the outset of the autumn phase, the government signaled a renewed push for domestic travel by announcing the continuation of the tourism cashback program, a move disclosed during a broader meeting on Russia’s travel and leisure sector held in Gorno-Altaisk. The statement, which was conveyed by the information bureau, indicates that August 25 marked the formal start of this new segment, signaling a rhythm of incentives aligned with the seasonal demand for trips within the country. The plan is designed to boost regional tourism by encouraging residents to explore destinations across Russia while supporting travelers with a meaningful financial return on their expenditures.
Travelers who choose to embark on trips within Russia can recoup 20 percent of their travel costs, a generous refund designed to make exploration more accessible and to stimulate economic activity across municipalities and cultural hotspots. This incentive structure underscores the government’s commitment to broadening domestic mobility and ensuring that a wide range of communities benefit from renewed visitor interest. The overall framework aims to harmonize traveler demand with regional tourism offerings, balancing seasonal peaks with sustainable visitation.
Prime Minister Mishustin emphasized that the program involves all regions of the country, highlighting a nationwide rollout that extends into the autumn and winter travel window. To qualify for the cashback, travelers should plan their journeys between October 1 and December 25, ensuring that the refund aligns with a defined travel period and that the incentive remains timely and effective for end-of-year planning. This nationwide coverage is intended to maximize the distribution of economic impact and to encourage longer or more frequent trips within the given timeframe.
Separate dates are reserved for cruises, with cashback available for cruise itineraries starting September 1 and continuing through the end of the navigation season. This distinction acknowledges the unique travel patterns of maritime itineraries and ensures that cruise travelers can also benefit from the policy during a clearly delineated period, thereby supporting the maritime segment of the tourism economy.
According to the prime minister, more than 4 million Russians have taken advantage of the program over its initial two years, illustrating a strong public reception and a consistent demand for domestic travel subsidies. Preliminary projections for the new phase estimate participation around 600 thousand residents, signaling sustained interest as people adapt their plans to cashback offers and the broader goal of reviving regional tourism across the country. This momentum reflects a lasting shift in travel behavior, with many households incorporating cashback into their budgeting and itinerary decisions.
- “Driving” information can be found on the messaging platform used by many travelers.