Russian tourism up despite Ukraine crisis

Russian tourism up despite Ukraine crisis

The number of foreign tourists visiting Russia grew by 16 per cent in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, helped by a devalued rouble amid Western sanctions, officials say.

“Almost five million foreign tourists have visited Russia in the first quarter of this year,” said Irina Shchegolkova, the spokeswoman for Rosturizm, the government’s tourism agency.

Most tourists came from China, Poland and Finland, she added.

“Sanctions did not affect the influx of tourists, on the contrary,” she said. “Foreign tourists still take an interest in Russia and come to get to know the country.”

Russia has been under punishing economic sanctions over its suspected support of separatists battling government forces in eastern Ukraine by the United States and the European Union, which just extended its sanctions against Moscow on Monday.

Tourist arrivals have been boosted by the weakening of the Russian rouble currency, which now trades at around 60 roubles against the euro and 55 against the US dollar.

Last summer the exchange rate was around 47 and 34, respectively.

Following an agreement with China, Russia waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists travelling as part of an organised group.

The “China Friendly” program launched last year seeks to create a comfortable environment for Chinese tourists by giving them language support, among other perks, with Chinese credit cards also accepted in Russia.

As a result, the number of Chinese tourists has tripled since last year, according to Rosturizm.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]