Russia is witnessing a remarkable resurgence in domestic tourism, with 2024 being declared as the record-breaking year according to data compiled by SberAnalytika. Tourists across the nation engaged in 161.8 million trips within the country, which marks a 6% increase from the previous year. The report emphasizes the growing trend of internal travel, indicating how Russians are increasingly exploring various regions of their vast homeland.
Analysis from the experts reveals noteworthy insights about travel patterns among Russian tourists. The most frequented destinations include the Moscow region, with one out of three travelers opting to visit the capital or its vicinity. Following closely, 11% of travelers chose St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region. Krasnodar Krai was the third most popular area—a coastal region known for its beaches and resorts—drawing 7.7% of the travel traffic. Meanwhile, the Republic of Tatarstan accounted for 2.3% of visits.
The average duration of trips across Russia tallied up to about 5.6 days, allowing travelers ample time to immerse themselves in local cultures and attractions. Interestingly, tourists tend to stay longer in remote locations such as Kamchatka and Sakhalin, or well-known resort areas, including the ever-popular Krasnodar Krai, Crimea, and Dagestan.
When examining travelers by age, it becomes apparent half of all excursions were made by individuals aged 35 years or younger and those over 55. Travelers aged 35 to 55 constituted another significant portion of the demographic. Notably, the average age of tourists heading to Lenin's and Moscow regions was recorded at 46 years, indicative of mature travelers often seeking cultural experiences.
An analysis of income figures uncovered another intriguing detail: approximately one-third of the tourists have earnings above the average Russian salary, around 90,000 rubles. This economic factor seems to bolster domestic traveling habits as individuals are more inclined to spend on experiences and goods during their journeys.
According to the data gathered, tourists made 1.17 billion purchases using cards, with the average transaction amounting to 1,082 rubles. A significant portion of their spending went on consumables, which accounted for approximately 30% of all expenditures made by travelers. Restaurants and non-food retail were also considerable expense areas, each representing 17% of total travel spending.
Accommodation-wise, tourists averaged 5,000 rubles per night for hotels or rental spaces, with expenditures for services and entertainment following closely behind at 3,000 and 1,200 rubles respectively.
What's heartening to witness is the resurgence and sustained growth of internal tourism within Russia. The last six years have reflected a staggering increase of 41% in travel frequency, with loyal Russian tourists returning to their favorite holiday spots every two years on average. This loyalty is significant, as it highlights the appeal of discovering lesser-known yet unique travel locales across the country.
Overall, the upward trend of Russian tourism denotes not just numbers, but paints a picture of cultural exploration, economic stimulation, and renewed appreciation for the country's rich treasures. With many travelers embracing the depths of their own homeland, the future of internal tourism looks promising, setting expectations high for the years to come.