Summer occupancy and travel trends at sanatoriums and resort networks
Across the three summer months, sanatoriums and resort facilities reported an average occupancy around 80 percent. When extra beds were counted, occupancy rose to about 93 percent. In total, more than 345 thousand guests stayed within the sanatorium network during the peak season, with August emerging as the busiest month. This data comes from the AZIMUT Hotels press service as reported by socialbites.ca (AZIMUT Hotels press service).
Beyond the Black Sea coast, analysts highlighted Minvody and Kabardino-Balkaria as highly popular destinations for the season. Regional resorts also showed strong demand and consistently high occupancy among travelers.
Since March, there has been a noticeable uptick in demand for spa treatments. The spring survey indicated that bookings for the summer period in many Black Sea group resorts reached as high as 70 percent at the outset of the season, and revenue shortfalls from reimbursement did not dampen sales momentum, according to the AZIMUT Hotels press service.
The broader patterns in the Russian tourism sector have also influenced the sanatorium and resort segment. Booking depth has varied downward, reflecting a shift in planning behavior. This summer many guests did not plan far in advance, instead reserving sanatorium stays only one to two weeks before arrival.
Visitors showed a growing interest in combining outdoor recreation with health improvements. Guests increasingly paid for additional services, especially medical and spa treatments. Anti-stress programs gained traction, with a focus on improving sleep, boosting immunity, and reducing anxiety.
One trend observed was a shift away from relying on last-minute tours, as travelers favored more targeted and timely health and wellness experiences. This shift reflects evolving consumer priorities and the ongoing adaptation of resort offerings to meet those needs.