Russian Tourists Flock Abroad for Summer 2025: Turkey Leads, Vietnam Surges
tourism
Turkey is expected to remain the top international holiday destination for Russian tourists this summer, with an estimated 3.1 million visitors anticipated in 2025—a 15% increase over last year, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).
Following Turkey, the most popular countries for Russian travelers this summer are expected to be Abkhazia, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. While Turkey retains its long-standing dominance due to its beach resorts, family-friendly packages, and visa-free travel, experts are noting faster growth trends in newer destinations.
Vietnam, Egypt, and China Fuel Rapid Travel Boom
Vietnam is seeing explosive growth, potentially attracting up to 140% more Russian tourists this year. The surge is largely credited to new charter routes and more frequent scheduled flights, making Vietnam more accessible than ever.
Egypt, already a favorite for sun-seeking Russians, is also forecasted to grow by 45%, thanks to expanded charter capacity and additional tour operator flights. Meanwhile, China is enjoying a 25% increase in Russian visitors, supported by a 60% rise in transport options, making travel between the two countries significantly easier.
Thailand is also experiencing a notable uptick in summer arrivals from Russia, while Abkhazia continues steady performance, keeping pace with Turkey’s growth rate.
Stronger Ruble and Better Flights Drive Demand
The strengthening of the Russian ruble since spring 2025 is boosting the spending power of outbound travelers, encouraging more international trips. Affordable flights, especially charters to Southeast Asia, are playing a crucial role in reshaping summer travel patterns.
Even though some charter routes require stopovers, their availability is increasing traveler interest, especially among those seeking new adventures beyond traditional beach resorts.
ATOR projects that around 6.4 million Russians will travel abroad for leisure or business this summer, up from 5.15 million in 2024. This sharp rise reflects improving economic confidence and broader travel accessibility.
Turkey’s Lead May Be Challenged by Flexible Demand
Despite its leading position, Turkey’s market share could fluctuate, depending on traveler preferences and late-season booking patterns. ATOR notes that flexibility in demand could result in short-term shifts, especially as countries like Vietnam and China continue their aggressive tourism campaigns.
Still, Turkey’s established infrastructure, all-inclusive resorts, and family appeal make it a consistent favorite. How well Turkey performs will ultimately shape the accuracy of ATOR’s forecast.
A Competitive and Expanding Travel Season
The summer of 2025 promises to be dynamic for Russian tourism, with traditional leaders like Turkey maintaining strong numbers, and emerging destinations like Vietnam, Egypt, and China capturing new market share. As economic recovery and flight accessibility boost outbound travel, Russian tourists now enjoy a wider selection of destinations—from beach relaxation to cultural exploration and exotic adventures.
