Last year, about 12 percent of Russians traveled abroad, with Turkey standing out as the most favored international destination. A little over one in five travelers who went abroad visited Turkey, which translates to roughly 3 percent of the Russian population. These insights come from Roskachestvo through its Consumer Behavior Research Center, as reported to socialbites.ca. The findings reflect a clear preference pattern among Russian travelers, highlighting both popular international options and strong domestic travel behavior.
In a detailed survey of Russians travel preferences conducted last year, Roskachestvo researchers found that several other international destinations captured interest as well. Countries from the former Soviet Union ranked high, drawing interest from 15 percent of those who traveled abroad or about 3 percent of Russians overall. Abkhazia and Egypt were close behind, each appealing to 15 percent of outbound travelers (about 2 percent of the population in each case). The United Arab Emirates also ranked well, attracting 11 percent of those who traveled abroad or around 1 percent of Russians. These patterns illustrate a mix of regional ties, affordability, and perceived safety that shape travel decisions across the country, as explained by Maxim Protasov, head of Roskachestvo’s Consumer Behavior Research Center, in discussions with socialbites.ca.
When looking at destination choices by Russians, domestic travel remains dominant. A striking 88 percent chose to vacation within Russia, underscoring a strong preference for domestic regions during holiday planning. Among domestic destinations, the Krasnodar Territory emerged as a top pick, followed by prominent centers in the Volga region, the cultural hubs of St. Petersburg and Moscow, and the distinct locales of the North Caucasus Federal District. These preferences point to a robust domestic tourism ecosystem, with families and regional sightseeing playing key roles in travel decisions.
Family plans and partnerships clearly influence travel patterns. The survey shows that many Russians travel with family and children, accounting for 29 percent of outbound trips. Those traveling with a significant other and without children represented 25 percent. Solo travel remains relatively less common, at 19 percent. In terms of travel frequency, ministry data indicate a tendency toward single trips for a majority of the population, with 52 percent taking just one trip last year. About 23 percent took two trips, 13 percent ventured on three trips, and 12 percent completed four or more journeys in the year. These figures reveal a travel culture that balances family oriented trips with individual exploration while reflecting broader economic and lifestyle considerations that influence trip planning and timing.
The dialogue around travel standards continues to evolve. In a separate discussion with socialbites.ca, Protasov spoke about initiatives in the hospitality and travel sectors, including the India Friendly standard designed to guide travelers who seek culturally aware and welcoming experiences abroad. This emphasis on standards aligns with growing expectations among Russians for consistent quality, value, and safety when choosing destinations and services during both domestic and international trips. The conversation highlighted how such benchmarks can help travelers compare options more effectively and make informed choices that fit their budgets and preferences. Data from Roskachestvo suggests that travelers are increasingly weighing practical factors like flight costs, accessibility, and family travel ease when mapping out their year ahead. The conversation also touched on how travelers anticipate August flights could present the best value, a factor many families and budget-conscious travelers monitor as they plan late summer trips.