During the New Year holidays, travel among Russians to CIS countries and nearby regions accounted for a sizable share of trips, reaching around 60 percent. The data comes from a survey of the country’s largest mobile operators, including MTS, which reported 80.2 million subscribers in the third quarter of 2022, and Megafon, with 74.9 million. These figures help illuminate consumer preferences at the start of 2023.
Within the MTS customer base, the proportion favoring the CIS and neighboring destinations rose by about 20 points, climbing to 63 percent at the outset of 2023. Megafon reported a similar trend. Notably, the share of subscribers selecting the CIS and neighboring countries increased even more decisively, jumping from 43 percentage points to 63 percent overall. This shift signals a tangible tilt toward regional travel during the holiday period.
Operators noted that Georgia, Abkhazia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan emerged as the most popular options for holiday travel among Russians. In addition, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates gained traction as favored destinations during the New Year holidays, reflecting a broader diversification of travel choices even within the context of regional preferences.
According to the Russian Association of Tour Operators, about 600,000 Russians traveled abroad in all directions during the holiday period. Domestic tourism, meanwhile, remained robust, with the number of people traveling within Russia totaling around 10.3 million. This data aligns with ATOR figures cited by regional authorities, who previously indicated that the overall tourist flow in Russia slightly surpassed the 2022 level. Officials reported that from December 30, 2022 to January 8, 2023, the total volume of domestic travel exceeded the previous year by roughly 300,000 people.
Analysts and industry observers point to several factors shaping these travel patterns. First, a growing preference for close-to-home destinations helps reduce travel costs and time while still delivering diverse experiences for travelers. Second, regional destinations show a steady appeal due to cultural proximity, historical ties, and established transport links. Third, popular international options remain attractive, supported by favorable exchange rates, visa policies, and competitive flight schedules. Collectively, these forces reinforce a trend toward both regional mobility and selective international trips during peak holiday windows.
In assessing the broader impact, industry stakeholders note that travel behavior during the holidays often reflects a balance between affordability, accessibility, and perceived safety. The shifts observed in early 2023 suggest that many travelers prioritized ease of travel and value, favoring destinations with well-developed infrastructure and reliable transport connections. As travel patterns continue to evolve, operators and tourism agencies are likely to respond with targeted promotions, updated itineraries, and streamlined booking options to meet evolving consumer expectations.