During the autumn window of September through November 2022, the share of international business travel undertaken by Russian companies stood at 7 percent. This figure came from industry tracking and was cited in market analyses derived from OneTwoTrip for Business data. The period marked a modest revival in cross‑border commerce after the disruptions of the pandemic, yet the recovery remained uneven across sectors and regions. The smaller slice of trips abroad reflected cautious corporate budgeting and a preference for destinations offering stable business climates and straightforward visa processes. In the broader context, observers noted that international business travel often mirrors the macroeconomic pulse of the economy, with decisions shaped by exchange rates, inflation, and the perceived reliability of bilateral relationships.
Within the same timeframe, Istanbul emerged as the leading international business travel destination, accounting for about 17.6 percent of the plane tickets purchased by Russian business travelers. Despite the clear popularity, there was a notable dip compared with the previous year, with demand down by roughly 18.5 percent. This shift underscored the higher risk aversion that characterized corporate travel during phases of economic uncertainty, as firms weighed travel costs against anticipated returns and client opportunities. The data suggested a preference for hubs that balance affordability with robust connectivity, enabling meetings, negotiations, and site visits without excessive logistical friction.
Industry participants generally agreed that the share of international business trips was trending upward, yet remained well below levels seen before the pandemic. Autumn has traditionally been a busy period for business travel, coinciding with the ramp-up of new business cycles, trade shows, and contract discussions that often require in-person engagement. The seasonal pattern persists because firms use this time to solidify year-end plans, finalize partnerships, and kick off initiatives that benefit from face‑to‑face dialogue. The lingering impact of global travel restrictions, insurance costs, and evolving corporate travel policies continue to shape the cadence of international trips, even as demand gradually recovers.
Analysts have noted that travel destinations for business engagements tend to align with the current global environment. Prior to the pandemic, the range of feasible locations was broader, but the landscape shifted dramatically as travel restrictions took hold and business risk assessments tightened. Today, the emphasis appears to be on partner nations with stable regulatory environments, predictable logistics, and reliable infrastructure. In this climate, trips abroad are increasingly concentrated among executives and representatives from media, energy, and industrial sectors, reflecting the ongoing emphasis on strategic partnerships, technology exchanges, and supplier diversification.
Recent market insights from late November 2022, based on the Ozon Travel business travel analytics for the third quarter, indicate that the average expenditure for business trips in Russia and for international journeys rose roughly 25 percent year over year. This uptick followed the broader inflationary trajectory that affected travel costs, including hotel accommodations and airline tickets. Firms adjusted their travel budgets to preserve the value of in-person engagements while managing the rising price environment, leading to more selective itineraries and longer planning horizons when arranging trips. The data highlights how cost pressures can influence the structure of corporate travel programs, compelling buyers to optimize itineraries, leverage loyalty programs, and seek favorable fare packaging where possible. [source: OneTwoTrip for Business; Ozon Travel analytics]