Over the February weekend, Russian travelers showed strong interest in international getaways with Dubai, Bangkok, Denpasar, Phuket, and Istanbul emerging as top picks. This snapshot comes from air booking data reported by RT, with Elena Shelekhova, the head of the press service for the OneTwoTrip service, noting the trends. The data reflect a mix of sun-soaked beach escapes and culturally rich city breaks, highlighting how Russians were balancing affordability, flight availability, and experiences early in the year .
By March 8, the preferences shifted slightly but remained consistent with a taste for Asia and the Middle East. Phuket led the list, accounting for about 8.2 percent of flight bookings, followed by Seoul at 6.5 percent, Tokyo at 6.3 percent, Dubai at 6 percent, and Bangkok at 5.3 percent. These percentages illustrate a broader pattern: travelers favored destinations with direct or easily obtainable routes, favorable climates, and a track record of reliable tourism infrastructure. Analysts note that demand for these places shows continued momentum from late winter into early spring .
When looking at domestic travel within Russia, Moscow dominated the weekend flight bookings with roughly 17.9 percent, followed by St. Petersburg at 8 percent, Kaliningrad at 7.4 percent, and Mineralnye Vody at 4.9 percent. Experts point out that the core choices for staycations and short trips remain fairly stable year over year, yet there is a clear shift toward early planning for holidays. This shift suggests a more budget-conscious approach and a preference for securing seats before peak periods, contributing to smoother travel logistics for families and solo travelers alike .
Other market players report similar insights. Oleg Kozyrev, the marketing manager of Travelata.ru, notes that the period from February 23 to March 8 saw continued popularity for beach destinations, with a strong showing from Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. He adds that for Russian travelers, certain domestic destinations stay consistently attractive, including St. Petersburg, Krasnaya Polyana, Imeretinsky, Kaliningrad, and Adler. The emphasis remains on reliable service, favorable weather, and a good value-to-experience ratio across both international and domestic itineraries .
Thailand and the UAE also ranked highly in demand at a Tez Tour event held on February 23, underscoring a broader preference for warm-weather destinations. Attendees highlighted interest in the Maldives, China, and Sri Lanka as well, with an increasing interest in China among Russians as a notable trend. This shift points to expanding appeal in East Asia and the evolving travel interests of the market as more Russians explore longer-haul options and varied cultural experiences .
Industry analysts have observed a striking rise in tourist flows from Russia to Japan, estimated at nearly seven times the previous levels. The Asia region was identified as the area with the strongest growth in popularity for Russian travelers in 2023, signaling a longer-term pivot toward Asian destinations and a diversification of travel itineraries beyond traditional favorites. The ongoing appeal of Asia among Russian tourists reflects a combination of improved air connectivity, visa policies, and a growing appetite for new experiences in diverse locales .
In a broader sense, Russians continued to name five destinations for romantic travel within the country, highlighting a mix of scenic landscapes and cultural settings that provide convenient options for couples seeking memorable experiences close to home. The pattern suggests that romance-focused itineraries—whether for weekend getaways, anniversaries, or spontaneous breaks—remain a steady driver of domestic travel choices, alongside international trips that promise sunny beaches, modern cities, and distinctive regional flavors .