Russia’s Tourism Boom: Domestic Travel Surges in 2025 with Key Regions Leading Growth
Published on March 18, 2026
Russia’s Domestic Tourism Boom Continues
Russia’s domestic tourism sector experienced substantial growth in 2025, with a record 173.9 million trips recorded – a 7.4% increase compared to the previous year. This surge places Russia alongside countries like Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Greece, all of which are witnessing a revival in travel and tourism, particularly within their own borders. The increase in domestic trips since 2021 demonstrates a shift in traveler preferences and a renewed focus on exploring destinations closer to home.
Key regions benefiting from this trend include Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Krasnodar Krai, attracting visitors with their cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties and airspace challenges, domestic tourism has proven remarkably resilient, providing a boost to regional economies and the Russian tourism industry as a whole.
Regional Hotspots Driving Growth
Moscow remains the most popular destination for Russian travelers, followed closely by St. Petersburg and Krasnodar Krai. Iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, Red Square, and the Hermitage Museum continue to draw significant numbers of tourists. However, growth isn’t limited to major cities. Regions like the Sverdlovsk Region and Leningrad Region have as well seen increased tourist activity, supported by infrastructure improvements and growing regional interest.
Over half of all domestic travel was concentrated in just ten regions, capturing more than 50% of the total national movement. Tatarstan, Sverdlovsk, and Vladimir regions have experienced particularly sharp increases in visitor numbers.
Who is Traveling Within Russia?
The average Russian traveler in 2025 was 44 years old, with individuals under 30 representing only 15% of the total. Younger travelers showed a preference for urban destinations like Moscow and St. Petersburg, even as older travelers favored rural and coastal areas, such as Krasnodar Krai. Female travelers accounted for just over half of all domestic trips, with destinations like Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg proving popular. Male travelers were more drawn to eastern regions, including Siberia.
Travelers with monthly incomes exceeding 100,000 rubles comprised a significant portion of the total, indicating a growing demand for premium travel experiences. This segment seeks higher-quality services and comfort, particularly in key urban and coastal areas.
Travel Patterns and Spending
The average length of a trip was 4.7 days, but visits to more remote or scenic areas tended to be longer. Regions like Yamalo-Nenets, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Yakutia, and Crimea saw extended stays, likely due to the appeal of nature-based tourism. Shorter trips were more common in urban centers, driven by easy access to cultural and commercial attractions.
Total tourism spending reached approximately 1.94 trillion rubles in 2025 – a 44.8% increase over the previous four years. The largest expenditures were on groceries, followed by cafes and restaurants, and souvenirs/clothing. Travelers spent an average of 1,365 rubles per day, an 8.7% increase compared to 2024. Remote areas, like Chukotka, generally had higher daily expenses.
The Rise of Premium Tourism
The increasing number of high-income travelers is driving a shift towards more specialized offerings within the Russian tourism sector. Luxury accommodations, tailored services, and high-end experiences are becoming more prevalent in emerging tourist hotspots. This trend represents an opportunity for investment in premium tourism and signals a change in the type of tourism Russia is becoming known for.
Related: For more information on global tourism trends, spot the United Nations World Tourism Organization website.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth for Russian Tourism
Russia’s domestic tourism sector demonstrates strong resilience and continued growth despite economic challenges. The trends observed in 2025 suggest long-term expansion, fueled by increased interest in regional travel, infrastructure improvements, and a growing demand for premium experiences. As more regions become accessible and appealing, Russian tourism is expected to thrive in the coming years.
Further Reading: You can locate more information about Russia’s economic outlook at the International Monetary Fund’s country page for Russia.