In the past year, vacation costs in Russia rose by about 29%, while travel prices to Turkey and Egypt grew more modestly, by roughly 15–17%. Experts consulted by kp.ru explain the drivers behind this trend, emphasizing how both macroeconomic factors and domestic market adjustments are shaping travel prices.
Hoteliers point to sanctions and the ruble’s value as key influences on the price of staying in Russia. Foreign-sourced inputs for hotels, including chemicals, textiles, and equipment, have become more expensive due to supply shortages and currency fluctuations. As a result, the overall cost of accommodation has climbed. One hotel manager notes that the push to maintain affordable rates while preserving quality has led to an ongoing search for suitable Russian-made substitutes. When replacements don’t meet requirements, adjustments in product choice and pricing become unavoidable. Dmitry Shatsky, the general manager of Green Flow hotel in the Rosa Khutor resort near Sochi, describes how price pressures ripple through procurement and guest experiences while the aim remains to offer good value without compromising standards.
These cost dynamics have also accelerated a broader shift in consumer behavior. Russians have increasingly turned to domestic recreation, prompting hotels and related businesses to invest more heavily in human resources and infrastructure. Yulia Tereshchenko, the general manager of Sofrino Park hotel near Moscow, notes investments to attract additional staff, expand facilities, and place large orders to support higher service levels. Staffing pressures, in particular, have driven increases in wages to attract workers, and the service quality expected by guests has risen accordingly. Tereshchenko adds that expectations have evolved—guests now anticipate more attention to detail and a higher standard of service than in previous years.
Industry observers also highlighted how tourist preferences are evolving. The tour operator Alean reported that prior to current conditions, 57% of travelers planning autumn vacations with no children were inclined to a beach holiday. Among these, a majority chose Krasnodar Territory, with Abkhazia and the Crimea following, and a smaller segment considering the Caspian or Baltic coasts for beach getaways. This data underscores a trend toward coastal destinations within Russia as a preferred option for seasonal travel, influenced by both price sensitivity and the increasingly visible value of domestic options. Market analysts interpret these shifts as a signal of growing domestic tourism resilience amid external price pressures and currency volatility.
Meanwhile, discussions around all-inclusive, alcohol-free concepts and their appeal in markets such as Turkey continue to circulate among travelers. The evolving mix of offerings reflects both consumer demand for simplicity and the desire for perceived value in vacation packages, with operators reassessing how best to balance price, service, and experience across different regions.
Overall, the combination of sanctions, currency dynamics, and the strategic pivot toward domestic tourism is reshaping the vacation landscape. Hotels are adapting by refining procurement strategies, expanding service capabilities, and recalibrating pricing to align with evolving guest expectations. The industry’s response illustrates a broader pattern seen across travel sectors where macroeconomic pressures influence consumer choices and the allocation of resources within hospitality networks. The ongoing dialogue among hoteliers, tour operators, and guests suggests a gradual stabilization in pricing as domestic infrastructure strengthens and supply chains adjust to new conditions. (Source: kp.ru)