Total revenues in Russia’s tourism sector grew by about 1.5 times compared with the pre-2020 crisis level, according to a report from TASS. This rebound reflects not only a rebound in domestic travel but also a growing willingness among Russians to allocate more for holiday experiences as service quality improves.
Officials noted that the return of stronger tourist flows has coincided with a broader push to upgrade the industry’s infrastructure. Tourism-related investments climbed by 36% in 2022 and rose by 23% in the first half of 2023. Meanwhile, the rate at which hotel rooms were brought online jumped by roughly 60% over the same period the year before, signaling robust support from the business community for rising demand.
In related developments, Thai authorities recently voiced disappointment that foreign visitors have begun to spend less money even as tourist numbers recover post-pandemic. Statistics indicate that in 2023 about half of the inbound travelers to Thailand were Russians, totaling around one million visitors for that year. This underscores how regional tourism dynamics can diverge even when visitor volumes rebound.
Historically, Russia has been cited as a leading winter destination, attracting travelers with its unique winter landscapes and cultural offerings. The current momentum in Russia’s tourism sector appears to align with broader strategies to enhance domestic travel and attract international visitors by improving service levels, infrastructure, and hospitality experiences. For travelers from North America, this evolving landscape highlights new opportunities to explore Russia’s seasonal attractions while benefiting from improved travel services and accommodation options.