In February 2024, Russian travelers increased their hotel and lodging reservations within Russia by more than 25 percent compared with February 2023, while bookings abroad rose by about 13 percent. These figures come from Ostrovok.ru, the online booking platform, and were compiled at the request of socialbites.ca to offer a clearer view of travel patterns among Russian residents during the month.
Within Russia, the surge in bookings highlighted several regional hot spots. Notably, destinations such as Murmansk and Teriberka showed strong demand growth, with bookings multiplying several times over the previous year. Other encouraging increases were seen in Kirovsk, whose bookings surged by 81 percent, and Listvyanka on the shore of Lake Baikal, which saw a 78 percent rise. Moscow followed with a 77 percent jump in reservations, while Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk posted solid gains of 52 percent and 29 percent respectively. The data also pointed to noticeable increases in St. Petersburg (23 percent), and Kazan (16 percent), reflecting a broad-based interest across major urban centers and specialized alpine and northern destinations. These shifts suggest that travelers are balancing city stays with northern and nature-oriented getaways, leveraging Russia’s diverse geography to find options that fit winter schedules and special events. (Source: Ostrovok.ru)
When looking at the top ten Russian destinations by the number of reservations for February 2024, the list remained led by the nation’s large metropolises—Moscow and St. Petersburg—alongside compelling regional hubs such as Murmansk, Esto-Sadok, Irkutsk, Teriberka, Arkhyz, Sochi, Kazan, and Krasnaya Polyana. The distribution underscores how travelers mix classic urban experiences with regional attractions, including mountain resorts, access to lakes and the Arctic coastline, and historical or cultural centers. This pattern points to a multifaceted travel appeal, where people seek convenient stays in familiar cities while exploring less-traveled corners during winter and early spring. (Source: Ostrovok.ru)
Average nightly rates in February for Russian hotels and inns reached about 5,900 rubles, marking a 13 percent increase from the previous year’s 5,200 rubles. The uptick in price aligns with stronger demand, limited inventory in peak periods, and a broader economy that has influenced consumer spending on lodging. For travelers planning trips in the coming weeks, this means evaluating value across different neighborhoods and hotel categories to maximize comfort and affordability, especially when choosing locations that offer access to transport links and seasonal activities. (Source: Ostrovok.ru)
Internationally, Russian bookings showed varied growth. Notable gains occurred in Japan, where demand rose severalfold, and in Italy, up 29 percent. Thailand recorded a 24 percent increase, Belarus 13 percent, and the United Arab Emirates about 10 percent. The top ten foreign destinations by Russian reservations for February included Thailand, Belarus, Italy, Turkey, the UAE, France, Armenia, Spain, Japan, and Kazakhstan. This spread demonstrates a preference for diverse experiences, from long-haul city breaks to beach escapes and mountainous retreats, with travelers weighing factors like visa regimes, flight routes, and seasonal events. (Source: Ostrovok.ru)
These findings echo prior reporting that Russians have shown a strong affinity for certain destinations, such as Abkhazia, indicating a pattern of favorable pricing, proximity, and relative ease of access in some regions. The evolving travel choices reflect a mix of practical considerations and aspirational travel goals, as households assess value, safety, and personal interests in both domestic and international contexts. (Source: Ostrovok.ru)