The press service of the Association of Tour Operators reported that outbound travel by Russians for any purpose grew by at least 17 percent in 2024 compared with 2023, reaching 17.35 million trips. This rebound follows a period of disruption and border restrictions, signaling renewed confidence among travelers and a broadening range of available flight options. The rise reflects participation by families, solo explorers, and organized groups alike, with tour operators and travel agencies playing a key role in creating value through comprehensive holiday packages and straightforward booking experiences.
More than 80 percent of all outbound trips came from five popular destinations, a total of about 13.89 million journeys. This concentration highlights a clear preference for familiar resort routes, sun-and-sea escapes, and well-trodden city breaks. Russian tour operators were responsible for coordinating and selling more than nine million of these trips, underscoring the ongoing importance of packaged tours in delivering reliable schedules, predictable pricing, and support services for travelers abroad.
In 2024 the leading destinations included the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Thailand, and China, along with Turkey, which remained a major magnet for travelers. The UAE drew roughly 1.9 million Russian visitors, up about 10.3 percent from 2023. Egypt welcomed about 1.5 million travelers, a gain near 17 percent. Thailand saw approximately 1.74 million visitors, climbing around 17 percent, while China attracted around 1.95 million travelers, also showing a double-digit rise. Turkey continued to be the single largest destination for Russians with around 7 million visitors; there was no growth from 2023, and the volume matched levels last seen in 2019. In addition to these, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the Maldives, and Indonesia were among the other top ten destinations referenced in the data set.
In a recent briefing, the vice president of the association suggested that travelers should not expect a radical price surge in Turkish hotels for 2025. Average daily rates were anticipated to stay close to those seen in 2024, with only modest fluctuations driven by market demand, seasonal trends, and currency movements. This outlook implies relatively stable lodging costs for North American visitors planning trips to Turkey in the coming year, though real prices can vary by neighborhood, hotel category, and date range.
There was also a note about a travel gift idea that readers could consider now to save money on future trips. Such options reflect a broader push in the industry to offer immediate value, especially for families and individuals looking to lock in deals ahead of peak travel periods.
The overall picture points to evolving travel patterns that North American travelers should watch closely. Strong outbound interest toward the UAE, Egypt, and several Asian and Mediterranean destinations could translate into more flight options, promotional fares, and a wider selection of packaged itineraries for those in Canada and the United States. Prospective travelers are advised to compare deals, verify visa requirements, and review insurance options when planning trips in the near term. As market dynamics shift with seasons and currency conditions, staying flexible and evaluating multiple operators can help secure meaningful value for international adventures.