Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand remains a favourite for Russian tourists, but Vietnam has seen a dramatic surge in demand with a 140 percent increase in visitors this summer, according to Artur Muradyan, Vice-President of the Russian Tour Operators Association and CEO of Space Travel.
More than 6.4 million Russians are expected to travel abroad this summer, a significant jump from 5.15 million in the same period last year, Muradyan said at the le’TO 2025 annual tourism awards briefing.
This growth is being driven by several factors, including a stronger rouble and lower airfares across many destinations, he added.
While perenial favouristes such as Turkey and Abkhazia continue to attract consistent interest, a number of newer markets appear to be gaining traction this summer. Among them, Vietnam has seen notable growth thanks to the launch of new direct and charter flights.
Besides, he said that other rising stars in international travel include Malaysia, Morocco, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Japan, and the Seychelles. Transit routes have also opened up access to previously less-visited destinations such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and parts of Indonesia outside Bali.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions. He also noted growing interest among Russian travellers in countries like Japan, the RoK and Iran.
According to him, this reflects a broader trend of Russian tourists seeking out more distinctive and lesser-known destinations, underscoring the rapid expansion of Russia’s tourism geography./.
