On September 16, 2025, two significant shifts in Russia’s domestic economy and travel landscape made headlines: the launch of Avito Podrabotku’s new part-time job service in Moscow and a surge in tourism demand in Krasnodar following the reopening of its airport. Both developments, though distinct in nature, highlight how Russians are adapting to changing economic realities, seeking flexibility in work and travel, and leveraging new digital platforms to meet their evolving needs.
In Moscow and the surrounding region, the appetite for part-time work has reached unprecedented levels. According to company data released by Avito Podrabotku, requests for part-time job opportunities in the capital soared by 74% between January and August 2025 compared to the same period last year. The broader Moscow region wasn’t far behind, posting a 62% increase. This surge isn’t just about numbers—it’s a reflection of shifting priorities among Muscovites, who are increasingly searching for ways to supplement their income without sacrificing the flexibility of their daily routines.
The Avito Podrabotku platform, launched officially on September 16, 2025, is designed to meet this demand head-on. The service allows users to find temporary gigs that can be combined with their main jobs—think of it as a digital marketplace for side hustles. The company reported that the number of part-time job postings in Moscow rose by 22% year-on-year, while full-time positions increased by 26% across Russia. This growth is attributed to the platform’s ability to offer shifts that fit around users’ schedules, making it especially attractive to students, retirees, and workers looking for extra income.
Artem Kumpel, the former director of Avito, emphasized the dual benefit of the new service, stating, “The service can help quickly solve urgent tasks, while users appreciate the convenience of graphics and access.” This sentiment was echoed by Sergey Yaskin, director of Avito Podrabotki, who noted the dramatic increase in both supply and demand for part-time work in the capital. The platform isn’t just a tool for individuals; businesses are also turning to it to fill staffing gaps during periods of high demand—autumn, for instance, is a particularly busy season for sectors like logistics and retail, where roles such as loaders, assemblers, packers, and shelf stockers are in high demand.
By August 2025, Avito Podrabotku reported more than 20 million users across Russia. The company’s ambitions don’t stop at Moscow: plans are in place to expand the platform to additional regions where demand for flexible work is high by the end of the year. The service’s rapid adoption underscores a broader trend in the Russian labor market, where gig work and short-term contracts are becoming increasingly mainstream. For many, this is not just about necessity but about autonomy—being able to choose when and how to work is a powerful motivator.
While Muscovites are exploring new ways to earn a living, another Russian city is experiencing a different kind of boom—one driven by travel. Krasnodar, the capital of the Kuban region, has seen its fortunes change dramatically following the recent reopening of its airport. According to the online booking service Ostrovok, the number of hotel and apartment booking requests in Krasnodar has tripled compared to previous years. This surge has catapulted the city into the top ten most popular domestic travel destinations for autumn 2025, as reported by the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry.
Specialists at Ostrovok point out that Krasnodar now ranks third among the region’s resorts, trailing only Sochi and the Federal Territory “Sirius,” but outpacing well-known destinations like Gelendzhik, Anapa, Novorossiysk, and Krasnaya Polyana. What’s fueling this newfound popularity? For starters, Krasnodar boasts some of the lowest hotel prices in Russia. The average nightly rate for a hotel room in the city is 3,900 rubles, a significant saving compared to the national average of 5,400 rubles. This affordability, combined with improved accessibility thanks to the reopened airport, has made the city an attractive option for cost-conscious travelers.
The data reveals some interesting trends about who is traveling to Krasnodar and how they’re choosing to stay. The majority of autumn bookings—52%—are made by couples traveling without children. Single tourists account for 25%, families with children for 15%, and groups of adults for 8%. Apartments have emerged as the most popular accommodation type, making up 30% of all bookings. Three-star and four-star hotels are also in demand, representing 19% and 18% of bookings, respectively. Less popular are hotels without star ratings (13%), two-star hotels (8%), guesthouses (7%), and five-star hotels (just 4%).
It’s not just families and couples flocking to Krasnodar. The data suggests that men traveling solo or in small groups are a growing segment, with 13% of bookings attributed to this category. The city’s rise in popularity is also a testament to the broader trend of Russians opting for domestic travel amid global uncertainties and shifting economic conditions. With affordable prices and a variety of accommodation options, Krasnodar is positioning itself as a viable alternative to more traditional resort towns.
The intersection of these two stories—the rise of flexible work in Moscow and the travel boom in Krasnodar—offers a window into the changing fabric of Russian society. On one hand, digital platforms like Avito Podrabotku are empowering individuals to take control of their work schedules, respond to economic pressures, and pursue new forms of employment. On the other, cities like Krasnodar are capitalizing on infrastructure improvements to attract a new wave of domestic tourists, offering value and accessibility at a time when many are rethinking their holiday plans.
Both developments are, in their own ways, responses to broader challenges facing Russia in 2025. Economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and the need for greater flexibility—whether in work or leisure—are driving innovation and adaptation across the country. As millions of Russians log on to search for part-time gigs or book a spontaneous autumn getaway, platforms and cities that can meet these needs are reaping the rewards.
In a year marked by change, the stories unfolding in Moscow and Krasnodar remind us that adaptability, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities are shaping the way Russians live, work, and travel. As Avito Podrabotku looks to expand and Krasnodar welcomes an influx of visitors, both are setting the stage for what could be a transformative period in Russia’s economic and social landscape.
