In 2018, more than 43 million Russians traveled outside their region of residence—13 million more than in 2017. 23 million Russians traveled abroad in the past 12 months (compared to 15 million in 2017). Beach vacations, as well as active recreation such as hiking and sports, have grown in popularity. etc. This is evidenced by the results of a study conducted by the NAFI Analytical Center in early 2019.
Over the past year, more Russians have begun to travel both within the country (from 26% to 38%) and abroad (from 13% to 20%). Residents of Russian capital cities and people aged 25 to 34 traveled most frequently within Russia and abroad. Residents of villages and small towns, as well as Russians over 50, traveled less frequently.
Most of those who travelled abroad went on tourist trips (94%). Less frequently, the purpose of traveling abroad was work-related (9%) or medical treatment (7%). Russians have begun traveling abroad more often for medical treatment (3% in 2018 versus 7% in 2019). Russians over 55 are most likely to undertake such trips (16%). Men travel on business more often than women (13% versus 5%).
The number of Russians who prefer beach holidays has increased (from 34 to 43%), as well as active recreation – hiking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing and hunting (from 23 to 29%). Beach holidays are preferred by residents of Russian capitals and cities with a population of over one million (51%). Active recreation is especially popular among men (39%) and young people under 34 (47%). Treatment at a sanatorium, trips to rest homes, and boarding houses are more often chosen by women (20%) and Russians over 55 (16%). Educational excursions and trips to historical sites attract Muscovites and St. Petersburg residents (34%), as well as people with higher education (34%). Vacationing at a dacha is popular among respondents over 55 (42%). Rural residents (37%), blue-collar workers (38%), and people of pre-retirement age (39%) prefer to relax at home.
Every third Russian organizes their vacation on their own (29%), while Russians turn to travel agents twice as rarely (14%). Young Russians aged 18 to 34 (35–39%) are more likely than others to plan their trips independently.
Timur Aimaletdinov, NAFI Analytical Center"Over the past year, Russians' tourism activity has increased, and we predict this trend will intensify in the near future. On the one hand, economic difficulties are expected to limit household spending on vacations, especially when it comes to international travel. However, in challenging times, increased labor force participation, coupled with savings and more rational budgeting, leads to increased demand for all types of vacations, especially recreational ones. Against this backdrop, Russian domestic tourism has great potential. This requires not only a proactive approach from the government but also from market participants themselves."
Source: trn-news.ru