Foreign tourist arrivals to Russia have grown by 5–10% this winter compared to last year, with citizens from Arab nations making up the bulk of the influx, according to Sergey Voytovich, Chairman of the International Committee of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI).
"The winter season has been very active with stable demand, showing a 5–10% increase over last year," Voytovich noted. "Since the vast majority of these visitors are from Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, they typically return home around February 15 ahead of Ramadan. We expect the next peak in arrivals during April and May."
While recent media reports have suggested a surging interest in winter-specific holidays, Voytovich clarified that summer remains the most popular season. The perception of a busier winter is actually due to a dramatic shift in the demographic profile of visitors.
"In the past, our primary visitors were European retirees for whom winter wasn't ideal. Today, we are hosting guests from the Gulf states—a younger, more active audience that travels frequently," the expert explained. "They take several international trips a year, and winter in Russia is a unique exotic experience for them. Unlike Europeans, who booked long stays well in advance, Arab tourists are more spontaneous, usually staying for a week or even taking short weekend trips."
Voytovich also noted that while the initial wave of Arab tourists a few years ago consisted almost exclusively of high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury accommodations, the market has expanded. With the weakening of the ruble and increased awareness of Russia as a destination, more budget-conscious travelers are arriving. Nevertheless, the average spend remains high, with the typical Arab tourist spending at least $1,500 per person per trip.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Freepik/CC0
Based on materials from TASS