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10 Best Russian Tour Operators and Travel Companies

Discover 10 Best Russian Tour Operators and Travel Companies that promise unforgettable experiences. Explore Russia with expert guidance and curated itineraries for an immersive journey.

Embarking on a journey to Russia requires meticulous planning and expert guidance. In this article, we unveil the 10 Best Russian Tour Operators and Travel Companies, each contributing to the tapestry of unique experiences. From cultural immersions to adventurous escapades, these operators guarantee a seamless and memorable exploration of the vast Russian landscapes.

Searching for the top travel agencies and tour operators in Russia? You’ve found it! The top 10 tour operators and travel agencies in Russia that provide fantastic deals and experiences are listed below. These tour operators will assist you in seeing all of the great sights and attractions that Russia has to offer, from Moscow to St. Petersburg. These tour companies and operators will provide you with the greatest experience possible, regardless of whether you’re searching for a city trip or a tour of the countryside.

Recognizing the Travel Environment in Russia

Discover Russia’s varied landscapes with the help of these knowledgeable tour operators. These organizations provide an overview of the splendor of the nation, encompassing everything from the ancient alleys of Moscow to the captivating Siberian wildness.

How to Handle Cultural Marvels

Take in the intricate fabric of Russian culture. Red Square, the Hermitage Museum, and the Trans-Siberian Railway are just a few of the famous sites that our suggested tour operators make sure you don’t miss.

Excitement and Discoveries

These operators design exciting experiences for adventure seekers. Get ready for an exhilarating adventure, whether you want to hike the Caucasus Mountains or go dog sledding in Kamchatka.

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Russian Outings

Take a trip through Russian culture with Russian Excursions. This tour company creates itineraries that highlight the essence of Russia, including historical sites and authentic local encounters.

Travels Across Siberia

Trust Trans-Siberian Adventures for the quintessential Trans-Siberian experience. With smooth travel over the longest railway in the world, this operator offers a glimpse of Russia’s immensity.

Tours of Moscow Magic

Moscow Magic Tours offers trips into the center of Russia. With knowledgeable guided tours, this operator reveals the wonders of Moscow, from the Kremlin to the Bolshoi Theatre.

Experiences in the Siberian Wilderness

Siberian Wilderness Adventures provides experiences that are unmatched for individuals looking to discover the beauties of nature. With the help of experts, see Siberia’s unspoiled splendor.

Red Square Findings

Discover Moscow’s past at its core with Red Square Discoveries. This operator offers historical insights and architectural marvels on excursions to the famous Red Square. So, explore 10 best Russian Tour Operators and Travel Companies.

Northern Lights Expeditions

Northern Lights Voyages transports you to the northern regions of Russia for a heavenly adventure. Explore the Arctic sceneries while taking in the captivating sight of the Northern Lights.

1. Tour Dragon

Tour Dragon is one of Russia’s most seasoned tour companies. They provide a large selection of trips to all the well-known locations in Russia. They provide excursions that are both cultural and natural, as well as city breaks. To make your vacation easier, they also offer airport shuttles and assistance with visas. Visit the website at tourdragon.com.

2. Ramasside

Founded in 1929, this top Russian travel operator has been around for a long time. They provide a range of trips to all of Russia’s main cities. They provide tours that last many days as well as day vacations for everyone. They also provide airport shuttles and assistance with visas. Internet address: https://www.ramassidetours.com

3. Viator Adventures

If you’re searching for an experience that isn’t too conventional, Viator Adventures is a fantastic option. They provide a variety of distinctive journeys and encounters to some of the most breathtaking and isolated locations in Russia. GAP Adventures offers a variety of cultural experiences and adventures to suit every taste.

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4. Russian Express

With many years of expertise in planning trips to Russia, Russian Express is a reputable travel company. They provide a variety of trips to some of the more isolated places in Russia in addition to all of the country’s major cities. They also offer airport shuttles and assistance with visas.

5. Russian National Tourist Office

The Russian Federation’s official tourist organization is the Russian National Tourist Office. They provide a variety of trips that visit some of the more isolated areas of Russia in addition to all the main cities. They also offer airport shuttles and assistance with visas.

6. Russian Travel Agency

One of Russia’s oldest and most seasoned travel companies is the Russian Travel Agency. They provide a range of trips to all of Russia’s main tourist attractions. They provide excursions that are both cultural and natural, as well as city breaks.

7. Red October Travel

One of Russia’s top travel agencies is Red October Travel. They provide a large selection of trips to all the well-known locations in Russia. They offer excursions that are both cultural and natural, as well as city breaks. They also offer airport shuttles and assistance with visas.

8. Sapsan Tours

One of the top tour companies in Russia is Sapsan Tours. They provide a range of trips to all of Russia’s main cities. They offer tours that last many days as well as day vacations for everyone. They also provide airport shuttles and assistance with visas.

9. Russia Vacation

This seasoned tour company provides a variety of trips to all the main locations in Russia. They provide excursions that are both cultural and natural, as well as city breaks. They also offer airport shuttles and assistance with visas.

10. Russia Tourist

With many years of expertise in planning trips to Russia, Russia Tourist is a reputable tour operator. They provide a variety of trips to some of the more isolated places in Russia in addition to all of the country’s major cities. They also offer airport shuttles and assistance with visas.

Answers to Common Questions

What distinguishes Russian Excursions?

Russian Excursions is unique in that it emphasizes real experiences. Every itinerary has been carefully chosen to offer a comprehensive grasp of Russian history and culture.

Why pick Adventures in Trans-Siberion?

Trans-Siberian Adventures guarantees a faultless excursion on the famous train. Their well-planned itineraries and knowledgeable guides make the Trans-Siberian journey one to remember.

What distinguishes Moscow Magic Tours?

Moscow Magic Tours is unique in that it offers a thorough examination of the city’s cultural treasures. Their trips are unique since they have access to famous sites and knowledgeable experts.

Siberian Wilderness Expeditions: Why choose them?

Siberian Wilderness Expeditions provides a special fusion of the natural world and adventure. Their knowledgeable guides take you off the main track to explore the unspoiled splendor of Siberia.

What makes Red Square Discoveries unique?

Red Square Discoveries is an organization dedicated to revealing the past of Red Square in Moscow. They breathe new life into the past with captivating stories and knowledgeable experts.

How can Northern Lights Voyages meet your expectations?

A celestial experience in Russia’s northern regions is provided by Northern Lights Voyages. Explore the Arctic landscapes while taking in the breathtaking sight of the Northern Lights.

Embarking on a Russian adventure is a journey of a lifetime, and the choice of tour operator can significantly enhance the experience. The 10 Best Russian Tour Operators and Travel Companies listed here guarantee not only expertise but also a deep connection with the culture, history, and nature of this vast and enchanting country.

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10 Best Russia Tour Operators 2024 [Unbiased & With Reviews]

10 best russia tour operators 2024.

Are you planning to visit Russia, but unsure which tour provider to select? Now, you no longer have to waste time searching the internet and filling out dozens of contact forms. Simply fill out ONE form, we’ll send it off to multiple tour providers and they’ll contact YOU! You’ll be able to compare rates and find the lowest cost tour for the most affordable trip abroad.

Get Free Quotes From 10 Best Russia Tour Operators

Have you been thinking about an exciting trip to amazing Russia? Are you interested in enjoying a memorable tour in Russia ? Does the idea of visiting Russia with the top tour company sound great to you?

Russia, the world’s largest country, boasts a diverse landscape with castles, mountains, and frozen lands, complemented by exceptional cuisine. Whether in St Petersburg, Moscow, or Siberia, Russia offers opportunities to explore the Tundra and witness the Northern Lights. Enjoy skiing, visit volcanoes, palaces, and castles, and indulge in a vodka production tour.

Choosing the right tour company is crucial for a memorable trip to Russia. With numerous options available, investing in a top-rated company can save you time and money, ensuring a fun, safe, and regret-free adventure.

We strongly believe that without comprehensive and analytical research, you may end up spending a lot of money and time on a company that does not have your best interest. With our help, you will find well-researched and analyzed information about the top 10 tour companies in Russia to help make a solid and informed decision.

Continue reading to explore the top 10 highly rated tour companies in Russia and their best travel packages.

Table update Jan 19, 2024

Volgograd Sputnik Travel Company

As one of the Russia’s oldest tour operators, Volgograd Sputnik Travel Company has been providing travel-related services since 1991. The key focus of their tour is the city of Volgograd itself. This leading tour operator offers day-tours, excursions and even virtual tours of Volgograd and its surrounding areas. The company is led by a team of dedicated and friendly tour guides that will help you make the most of your visit throughout your stay. They believe in receiving their foreign guests with a positive attitude and thus, invite you on a tour of Volgograd.

Volgograd Sputnik Travel Company Best Russia Tour Packages

This company organizes many different activities for you to be a part of in their tour packages. Honor Soviet war heroes in their historic 3 Day Stalingrad Battlefield Tour . You will visit different sights along the Volga and Don rivers and see places of historical importance in this tour.

Don’t miss out on their sightseeing tour of Hero-City Volgograd . See major sights from the WW II era like the Alley of Heroes, Peace Street, Eternal Flame and many more.

The company also offers a unique tour of Rossoshka where you can observe German and Soviet cemeteries. The central attraction of this tour is a famous sculpture named the “Mourning Mother”.

Volgograd Sputnik Travel Company Reviews

Volgograd Sputnik’s long-standing history is marked by praises and appreciation from the many tourists they have served. This Russian travel company has 326 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #1 of 17 Tours & Activities in Volgograd. A past customer of theirs wrote:

Went on the big tour of Stalingrad this morning was out for about 5 hours with my man Mikhail. A bit pricey but a good engaging overview chauffeured and one on one… Alexander

Read all reviews of Volgograd Sputnik Travel Company on TripAdvisor .

Explore the diverse landscapes of Hungary by joining one of the 10 Best Hungary Tour Operators , guaranteeing an immersive and enjoyable trip.

Flotilla Radisson Royal

If you are looking for a luxurious cruise experience in Moscow then look no further than Flotilla Radisson Royal ! This top-reviewed Russian travel operator provides excellent tours on the Moscow River where you can enjoy the best views of Moscow. They have a fleet of 10 ice-class yachts that are fully serviced for sightseeing tours as well as large private gatherings. The team at Flotilla Radisson Royal is highly specialized in bringing you the comfort you seek on your trip to Russia.

Flotilla Radisson Royal Best Russia Tour Packages

Flotilla Radisson Royal provides a large array of tour packages on their first-class luxury yachts.

The company offers one of the most unique yacht cruises through the display of theatre! Book their Dinner with a Classic boat tour where you will watch an Italian drama performance. Enjoy the bewitching sights of Moscow city while fine-dining on special Italian dishes.

Their services also extend to themed cruises on their yachts. You can call ahead and book a customizable cruise. They offer sightseeing, romantic, theatrical, literary, family and gastronomic tours in this package.

You can also go on regular yacht cruises according to their yacht schedule. They will take you on a round-trip of Russia’s popular attractions.

Flotilla Radisson Royal Reviews

This tour company in Russia provides an interesting mix of exciting and luxurious boat trips that all customers seem to like. They have 1,127 reviews on TripAdvisor, out of which most are 5-star ratings. They are ranked as #2 of 96 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Moscow. A satisfied customer wrote:

This was a surprise for me by my partner and daughter. Getting onto the boat was very orderly, and our table was gratefully in a good position so Moscow at night could be appreciated… Pete17 Read all reviews of Flotilla Radisson Royal on TripAdvisor

ExploRussia

ExploRussia is a leading Russian tour operator that specializes in creating exceptional tours for global travelers seeking an authentic and local perspective in Russia. The agency is one of the best when it comes to showcasing Russia’s historical landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and contemporary culture. The company was first established in 2012 with the aim of responsible tourism in mind. Comprising a team of passionate and young entrepreneurs, the company is dedicated to bring you a fantastic vacation in Russia with personalized attention and off-the-beaten-track exploration.

ExploRussia Best Russia Tour Packages

The team at ExploRussia goes the extra mile with their tour packages to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience in their country.

You can choose to go on their Moscow Off the Beaten Path Tour where you will experience the local culture of Moscow without being in crowded streets. Explore the Orthodox Church, taste different Russian food and discover the major sights like Kremlin, Red Square and Bolshoi Theatre.

 You can also explore traditional markets with your own local tour guide on their Moscow Food Tour . You will discover enchanting Russian cuisine and taste different kinds of food items that are remnants of the USSR.

For an adventurous journey, travel to the mountains of Altai near Moscow. In this 6 day tour of the Altai Mountains, you will be in close contact with nature while camping and horse-riding around local villages.

ExploRussia Reviews

As the pioneers of responsible tourism in Russia, ExploRussia has set a great example to other local and international tour companies. This Russian tour operator has 595 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked at the top as #1 of 1,116 Shopping in Central Russia. A recent customer of theirs wrote:

When I reached out to Olga from ExploRussia , she was already invested in my request , asking the right questions and pointing out the possibilities… Hassan M

Read all reviews of ExploRussia on TripAdvisor .

 Explore the cultural treasures of Turkey by choosing one of the 10 Best Turkey Tour Operators , providing expert guidance.

St. Petersburg Guided Tours

St. Petersburg Guided Tours , founded in 2005, is a locally owned travel company in Russia. The company is founded by Valeria Grigoryeva, a licensed and qualified tour guide. They operate private and customized free tours. Their services include walking adventures, cultural, and historical tours. The guides are highly qualified professionals passionate about Russia’s history with extensive experience in the local and international travel industry. With this company, you will certainly have a memorable time traveling through the Russian countryside.

St. Petersburg Guided Tours Best Russia Tour Packages

For more than 15 years, St. Petersburg Guided Tours has improved and perfected fun, authentic, and luxury Russian tours to select from .

If you are looking to spend quality time with your partner, you can choose their  Romantic Getaway Tour . On this excursion, you will visit the Empress Alexandra residence built in 1829.

You can also join the  2-Day comfort Tour  carefully planned for you to see many city sights of St. Petersburg without waiting or standing in line.

They also have a popular  1-Day Private Tour  that will give you value for your money by taking you for a day tour in St. Petersburg. After visiting famous museums, you will be introduced to traditional foods and vodka tasting.

St. Petersburg Guided Tours Reviews

This local tour operator in Russia has no shortage of great reviews and satisfied clients. They are ranked as #2 of 670 Tours & Activities in St. Petersburg and have 156 reviews on TripAdvisor. A customer that toured with them recently wrote:

Everything was very well organised by Valeria, from helping us with choosing the right accommodation, preparation of visas and including the right places to visit… Dmitri L

Read all reviews of St. Petersburg Guided Tours on TripAdvisor .

Archer Tour

Archer Tour is a local Russian travel agency that provides group and individual tours of major sights in Russia. Their aim is not to give you a lot of tours but to make each tour worthy and memorable. They also offer tailor-made and custom tours that you can plan according to your requirements. As a company, Archer Tour is continuously improving their services and trying to be one of the best tour companies in Russia. Your vacation to Russia will be worthwhile and entertaining with Archer Tour at your side!

Archer Tour Best Russia Tour Packages

From private and corporate escorts to boat trips, paragliding and flights, the range of tour packages that Archer Tour provides is absolutely immense.

Take their Sightseeing Tour of Kaliningrad and discover a unique blend of German and Soviet architecture. You can see museums, churches and military fortifications in this diverse tour package.

Also, their Baltiysk and Yantarny Tour provide historical background into Russia’s important monuments. In this trip, you can take a ferry to Vistula Spit as well as visit an amber factory and see amber production up close!

Archer Tour also provides VIP tours upon customers’ request. You will get the best luxury services, the highest level on comfort and a visit to the top locations and restaurants in their tailor-made VIP tours.

Ahtilahti Best Russia Tour Packages

Ahtilahti’s quality of service regarding their tours and tour packages are unmatched and they’ll ensure that you have the best vacation of your life in Russia.

Plan ahead and go on a Kayaking Tour of the Oredezh River . This trip is perfect for beginner rafters since there are no challenging rapids. You will get to enjoy the tranquil nature while having an exciting experience.

For a winter tour, you can opt for their phenomenal Skating Tour on Lake Baikal . As the oldest lake on Earth, Lake Baikal has a special wonder to it. Your guide will accompany you as you skate, have fun and enjoy the Siberian landscape in this amazing journey.

Explore their hometown of Kaliningrad on a road-trip . In this 7 day tour, Ahtilahti will take you a thrilling journey that covers all of Kaliningrad’s major as well as non-trivial attractions for a truly immersive experience.

Ahtilahti Reviews

Considered one of the most unique travel agencies in Russia, few companies can accomplish what Ahtilahti has accomplished through their tours. They have 171 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked as #2 of 157 Boat Tours & Water Sports in St. Petersburg. This is what a satisfied customer said about them:

Excellent experience with SUPsurfing starting from narrow channel in SpB center and going to Neva river. Surfing is safe, supervised by both guiedes Asja and Dmitry… Dr D

Read all reviews of Ahtilahti on TripAdvisor .

As a fully licensed tour company in Russia, Alla Tours proudly offers the best tour and travel services in Russia. Established in 2005, the company is renowned for its top-notch tour guides and detailed itineraries. Their top priority is offering fulfilling, safe, and authentic tours for travelers worldwide. Based in St. Petersburg, Alla Tours has also developed tour excursions across Europe and the Baltic region. With personalized service in mind, Alla Tours will take you on a trip across Russia that will be imprinted in your memory for a lifetime!

Alla Tours Best Russia Tour Packages

With years of service in the tourism industry, Alla Tours offers an extensive array of tour packages in Russia to choose from. You can join their  1-day St. Petersburg Intro Tour  and visit many spectacular venues, including the Peterhof Fountains and Garden and the Hermitage Museum. On this guided private walking tour of St. Petersburg, Russia, you will be able to see the city through the eyes of the locals.

If you have more time, you can take the  2-day St. Petersburg Royal Tour  and combine top-ranked sights with a shore excursion. The tour is perfect for discovering Russia’s modern art, architecture, canals, and rivers.

Comfort is an essential factor during a vacation trip so the  2-Day St. Petersburg Comfort Tour  combines top attractions, including the Church of the Spilled Blood, Hermitage Museum, and Peterhof Fountain Park.

Alla Tours Reviews

Alla Tours is a Russian tour operator that is well-respected by international as well as local tour companies. Their 4,798 reviews on TripAdvisor are a evidence to their top-notch service. They are ranked as #8 of 670 Tours & Activities in St. Petersburg. A past client of theirs wrote:

A full 2 day tour picked up from our cruise ship. Gives a great taste of all the major attractions. Not cheap but fully worth the cost. Cannot recommend highly enough… Mark_Dornoch

Read all reviews of Alla Tours on TripAdvisor .

Embark on a Scandinavian getaway in Finland. Join one of the 10 Best Finland Tour Operators , guaranteeing a memorable and relaxing vacation.

Moscow Private Tours

Moscow Private Tours , founded in 2011, is one of the highest-reviewed tour companies in Russia. They cater exclusively to private and small groups ensuring the best quality service. They are the #1 Rated Private Tours in Moscow. They have their tourists’ best interests in mind and their tours are personalized, child-friendly and have flexible timings. Their tour guides are highly trained locals that will look after you on your trip. Your trip to Russia will be made easier and hassle-free through this company’s continuous efforts.

Moscow Private Tours Best Russia Tour Packages

Catering to small and private groups, Moscow Private Tours’ various tour packages are enjoyable and all-inclusive.

Enjoy the complete Kremlin experience on their Kremlin and Armoury Tour . Visit the State Kremlin Palace, see the Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell and immerse yourself into medieval history and architecture, Soviet heritage and imperial treasures in this popular tour package.

Moscow looks the prettiest during the night. Go on their Night Moscow Tour with a private guide and see its major attractions like the Bolshoi Theatre and St Basil’s Cathedral.

Embrace the cultural swirl of Russian cuisine through their Russian Food Tour . From borscht to pancakes, eat your way through 3 different eateries and learn about traditional Russian food and their origins.

Moscow Private Tours Reviews

As one of the best-rated tour operators in Russia, Moscow Private Tours has a spectacular track record of many satisfactory clients. They are ranked as #9 of 540 Tours & Activities in all of Moscow and have over 1300 reviews on TripAdvisor. A customer who visited them recently wrote:

Very nice boat tour around Moscow with good dinner and excellent tour guide (Maria). Thanks for your service. I recommend it… Seradi155

Read all reviews of Moscow Private Tours on TripAdvisor .

Discover the natural wonders of the Czech Republic by joining one of the 10 Best Czech Republic Tour Operators , promising an unforgettable and eco-friendly adventure.

Bridge to Moscow

With more than 10 years of experience in the tourism industry, Bridge to Moscow is a highly-rated tour operator in Russia. They offer original and professional private tours in Moscow. They apply a personal approach to their customers, viewing them as friends rather than tourists. The company values commitment, safety and reliability above all else. Bridge to Moscow stands out from the rest through their team of licensed multi-lingual tour guides that dedicate all their efforts to bring you an excellent vacation in Russia.

Bridge to Moscow Best Russia Tour Packages

With over 97 detailed travel itineraries, you will have a large selection of tour packages to choose from.

If you are planning a trip to visit Russian churches, you can start with their Sergiev Posad Tour . This early 14 th century monastery holds intricate architecture and soulful history. See their iconic cathedrals, watch the church choir and visit local bakeries in this tour.

For a sightseeing tour of Moscow, you can book their Moscow in 1 Day tour package. You will be able to visit Moscow’s historic center, the Red Square and the presidential and state palaces. Don’t forget to check out their Moscow Metro as well.

Also, you can choose Glimpses of Baikal tour for a nature-infused experience. This 3 day tour will have you travelling through local villages to reach Lake Baikal. Once there, you can admire the breathtaking views of the oldest lake on the planet and its surrounding areas.

Bridge to Moscow Reviews

Bridge to Moscow’s tours has gathered a lot of positive reviews from many tourists that deemed them to be satisfactory. This Russian travel agency has 454 reviews on TripAdvisor and stands as #10 of 540 Tours & Activities in Moscow. A client that recently toured with them wrote:

The metro tour was very very interesting. My son loved it. And our guide Ivan was so friendly and knowledgeable… chandrasekar r

Read all reviews of Bridge to Moscow on TripAdvisor .

White Nights Travel

White Nights Travel is a unique company that offers a wide range of professionally customized private tours in St. Petersburg. The company’s bespoke services make them a popular tour company in Russia that provides programs suitable for seniors, families, and groups with the chance to explore beautiful locations in St. Petersburg. The company caters to tourists from all walks of life and is happy to work within your budget. White Night Travel’s major goal is to give you a different yet authentic Russian experience of a lifetime.

White Nights Travel Best Russia Tour Packages

There are plenty of options you can choose from with White Nights Travel’s tour packages.

The  Walking Tour with Hermitage  is one of the most popular programs the company offers in St. Petersburg. During the trip, you will discover various art galleries, museums, and parks, and in the evening, you will walk to the city center for vodka tasting and street food.

Do not miss out on the world-class five-hour Russia  Golden Tour  that will provide an opportunity to walk to Catherine Palace, Amber Room, and Church of the Spilled Blood.

The  Jewish Heritage Tour  combines a boat ride tour and the Grans Choral Synagogue tour, which offers you a fantastic opportunity to learn Jewish history in Russia with an English-speaking guide.

White Nights Travel Reviews

Their personalized service and attention to detail has led White Nights Travel to become one of the best tour operators in Russia. With over 650 reviews on TripAdvisor, the company is ranked #10 of 670 Tours & Activities in St. Petersburg. A past customer wrote:

Maria was absolutely fabulous showing our group of 8 the beautiful sights of St. Petersburg. She was so good at moving us thru crowds, her English is spectacular… Debra D

Read all reviews of White Nights Travel on TripAdvisor .

Dive into the rich history and culture of Greece. Join one of the 10 Best Greece Tour Operators , ensuring an immersive and authentic experience.

The best time to visit Russia is during the months of May to September. Although Russia is the largest country and weather can vary vastly, the popular cities and locations in Russia will be experiencing a warm weather and long, sunny days during this time.

You can expect to spend around $60 – $80 for a solo traveler staying at a decently rated hotel. This price will cover food, transportation and other fees. For a more luxurious vacation, you will be spending anywhere from $150 – $250.

Russia has a lot of specialties attached to it. From ballet and theatre to vodka and Russian culture, there is a lot to expect. Famous landmarks include Lake Baikal, The Red Square, The Hermitage and Moscow Metro System.

Being the largest country on the planet, there is definitely a lot of area to cover in Russia. However, most of Russia is barren and uninhabitable. For popular tourist destinations, 2 weeks should be enough for a majestic experience of Russian culture, nature and food.

The most iconic Russian dishes include the Blini (Russian pancakes), Pelmeni, Beef Stroganoff, Syrniki, Kasha (porridge), Borscht and Okroshka. Russia is also famous for their world-renowned vodka.

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To this day, we have organized more than 200,000 trips to Russia, private and small group, Trans-Siberian and Volga river cruises . Our tours have become the golden standard for the industry of inbound travel to Russia. Each year, we take thousands to Russia and show them the very best of this enigmatic country.

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Our goal is to provide the highest quality services to make your clients fall in love with Russia.

Whether you are looking to get the most out of a tight budget or prefer premium luxury when discovering Russia, Olta Travel will be your perfect partner.

Let us make your tour to Russia a memorable experience, so you can enjoy a worry-free journey!

• FROM BIG GROUPS TO INDIVIDUALS: we craft a tailored offer for almost any budget, thanks to our distributed network of trusted partners, direct connections with service providers and our own profound knowledge of destinations in Russia. 
• TOP SERVICE GUARANTEE:  We take care of everything to secure travelers’ satisfaction and are prepared to deal with unexpected issues should they arise.
• COMFORTABLE PRICING:  Olta Travel keeps the cost of discovering Russia at a fair, reasonable level because we love our country and seek to share this love with you.
• NATION-SPECIFIC PROGRAMS : based on our experience working with tourists from all parts of the world, we know how to surprise and amaze your compatriots with Russia.

PRIVACY POLICY ON THE PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA

This Policy of personal data processing (hereinafter - the Policy) applies to all data that "OLTA Travel" Co. Ltd (hereinafter – Olta Travel) receives from the visitors of website http://www.oltatravel.com (hereinafter "the Website") and explains how it is processing, stored and how the confidentiality is ensured.

1. Processing and use of personal data.

1.1. In this Policy, personal information means any information left by users on the Website of Olta Travel, including Name, Surname, company, email address and other contact information, left in the message.

1.2. The person who left personal data on the Website of Olta Travel, consents to their use, namely:

1.2.1. The inclusion of the email address, name, surname, company name or any other contact information left in the message in the contact database of Olta Travel. The database is hosted in a secure cloud-based customer relationship management service Bitrix 24, as well as on a secure service for newsletters – Unisender.

1.2.2. Receiving email newsletters with news, promotions, special offers and other useful materials, but no more than twice a week. The visitor of the Website at any time has the right to unsubscribe from the mailing list of Olta Travel, by clicking on the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of each letter.

1.2.3. Direct communication with the manager of Olta travel on the treatment of the user.

1.2.4. The use of contact information to show relevant advertisements to users in social networks and the Internet.

1.2.5. For other purposes performed with the individual consent of the user.

2. The collection, storage and protection of personal data.

2.1. All personal data collected on the Website is processed, stored and secured in strict accordance with the provisions of the legislation of the Russian Federation (Federal law of the Russian Federation of 27 July 2006 № 152-FL "On personal data") and the European Union (The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679).

2.2. Olta Travel is taking the necessary legal, organizational and technical measures to protect personal information from unlawful or accidental access, copying, distribution of personal information, as well as other unlawful actions in relation to personal data of users, which include:

•     secure transfer and storage of personal data on secure servers;

•     automated processing of personal data;

•     identification of possible threats to the security of personal data;

•     limiting the number of persons having access to personal data;

•     application of measures of internal regulation of the procedure of working with personal data (internal regulations for employees of Olta Travel);

•     improving methods of collection, storage and processing of data.

2.3. All data received on the Website of Olta Travel are transmitted via a secure https Protocol and stored on servers in secure, cloud-based customer relationship management service Bitrix 24, as well as in safe service for creating email newsletters Unisender.

3. User rights and obligations of Olta Travel.

3.1. Upon the request from the user Olta Travel should:

•        confirm the fact and methods of storage and processing of personal data of users;

•        inform about the method of obtaining personal data of the user;

•        explain the legal bases, objectives and timing of the processing of personal data;

•        in case of personal data leakage, inform the user about it;

•        make changes or delete users ' personal data from the database to stop storing and processing it;

•        warn about the expected cross-border transfer of personal data.

3.2. The user has the right to request the deletion of his personal data by sending an e-mail to [email protected] as well as the exclusion from the email-mailing by clicking on the "Unsubscribe" button located in the body of each letter.

4. Conditions of termination of processing and storage of personal data:

•       company liquidation;

•       a written request for withdrawal of consent or exclusion from the database;

•       at the request of the user, if the data were obtained illegally.

5. Olta Travel is not responsible for information posted by a visitor on the third party websites, links to which can be posted on the Website of Olta Travel.

6. More information about the collection, storage and processing of personal data by Olta Travel, the user may get by sending an email to [email protected] .

Beyond your imagination

Popular Destinations

More destinations to discover Russia

Itineraries

Special tour toppings.

Intourist — brand with over 90 years history!

• St Petersburg
• Golden Ring
• Highlights of Russia
• Moscow Break
• Saint Petersburg Break
• Master-class in painting Russian matryoshka dolls
• Roof Top trip in Saint Petersburg
• Tour of the Bolshoi Theatre
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Contacts of our Russian Travel Agency

Contact us to learn more about our Russian travel agency services and learn more about our tours to Moscow , tours to St. Petersburg for summer or winter and our other Russian tourism products. Express to Russia is the leading Russian travel agency on the web and has operated as an official Russian tour operator for the past 10 years.

Trans-Europe Express LLC +7 812 570 4709

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

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Baltic Travel Company (BTC) is the only destination management company in Russia that organizes unforgettable corporate and incentive programs, efficient on-shore tours and event logistics at equally impeccable level and launches original touristic products. We exist to share with you bright impressions from our beautiful country and to bring you joy in every trip.

Cruise programs

City Tour St. Petersburg

Warm greets for sales heats

Incentive program for a powerful bank

Energy of meeting

International IAEA Conference

FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers Draw

Wheels of G20

full-scale logistics

Oscar of Sports

Leading with art at YPO

inspiration for business leaders

Golden Ball

for kings of black gold

When leaders of tomorrow meet

and immerse into the past days

Glitter of Hermitage

in eyes of MetLife executives

Ball for good

stars shine to children

Tsar’s ball

A luxury ball in exquisite interiors of Catherine Palace

Destinations

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES

You’re in the army now

Creative master classes

Russian rally

Russian bath experience

On top of the Russian world

Proud of work with:, cruise lines.

corporate clients

our friends

Traveling with us is safe!

St. Petersburg introduces free electronic visas for foreigners

The mystery of magic bus

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Russia Reviews & Ratings

Baltic capital cities.

Overall, a great trip. Hotels not as good as in the past with Explore.

Trusted Customer

Interesting cities with beautiful old towns explored with a guide who knows them inside out. All the cities are different and it was wonderful to visit them in the ...

Harry and Liz Glover

Full on, varied and very interesting.

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• Excursions in Moscow
• Excursions in Saint Petersburg
• Theatre tickets
• Hotels in Moscow
• Hotels in Saint Petersburg
• Transfers in Moscow
• Transfers in Saint Petersburg
• My selection

17 April 2024

The long-awaited event for residents and guests of the city - the beginning of navigation in St. Petersburg! This year navigation will start on the 27th of April. It means that from the 27th of April it will be possible to enjoy excursions along the rivers and canals of the city again.

22 March 2024

MIR Travel Company will tell you where and how to get there! The excursion is called the Golden Ring of Russia and passes through several Old Russian cities. The route itself was developed in 1967 with the inclusion of 8 cities: Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir. 

26 February 2024

Discover with us

Perfectly located in the very centre of the city, near St. Isaac’s Cathedral, 10 minute walk from the Hermitage.

Radisson Royal

Located in city centre, on Nevsky prospect – main street of the city.

Marriott Royal Aurora

In a heart of Moscow, within the walking distance from the Bolshoi, the Kremlin, and the Red Square

Marriott Tverskaya

On the famous Tverskaya street, in city centre. Just within several minute drive are the Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil Church.

© 1992-2024 MIR Travel Company

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About Go Russia Travel Company

Our short presentation.

• Award winning company. Russia's Leading Inbound Travel Agency 2012 .
• Genuine experts. Over 40 years Russia and ex-USSR combined experience. All our staff is passionate about travel and have extensionally traveled in Russia and former USSR.
• Exemplary customer service. Almost 99% of our customers said they are satisfied with the knowledge and expertise of our travel consultants to provide a quality service.
• Highly ranked on Tripadvisor. Read unbiased trusted Go Russia reviews on the Tripadvisor website.
• Total financial protection. We are a fully ATOL bonded operator and are also covered by insolvency insurance .
• Unrivalled technology. Easy and convenient secure online booking system. User-friendly personalised online booking tools and customised Go Russia account .
• Best value for money. Our prices are among the best on the market. And on top we often release free upgrades and special offers . Read about Go Russia fair dealing and price guarantee
• Peace of mind. 24 x 7 emergency hotline phone and local representatives
• Green Company and we follow responsible tourism policy
• Thoughtfully and meticulously designed itineraries by our in-house product team
• Only certified English-speaking guides (other languages also available)
• Small and medium size groups
• Guaranteed departure dates and no cancellations
• Personal advice and consultation prior to and during every booking
• Free visa support and practical guidance. Visa included on most of our tours
• Variety of activities and optional tours . Different levels and age groups
• 29% - Offer price. We are proud to be able to provide the highest quality tours at the most competitive prices. We believe that travel does not need to be expensive and it should be affordable to everyone. We achieve this by working without intermediaries and having long-established contacts with local partners. If you find a similar tour at a lower price, we guarantee we will match the price offered by any reputable competitor. Fair dealing and price guarantee .
• 19% - Our flexibility with tour arrangements. More than half of our customers have booked some extra tours or services with us. We would like you to have the most memorable holidays and are happy to help you to create the perfect trip with Go Russia! We always listen to your ideas and design your trip around your requirements – traveling off beaten track, booking theatre tickets, arranging meals or eating with locals in a small authentic local café, or meeting local families.
• 17% - Our knowledge and expertise. All of our staff is passionate about travel and have extensionally traveled in Russia and the former USSR. We know our destinations better than anybody else – we are from - or have lived - in our specialist regions.
• 16% - Quick response. We understand that time is of the essence when planning holidays and we aim to respond as quickly as possible. Normally we reply within 24 hrs to the standard requests such as standard package tours, or regular visa queries. And our response time to tailor-made trip inquiries is between 24-48 hrs depending on the holiday complexity. Our working hours are Monday - Friday 09:00 - 18:00 UK time, so if you submit your request over the weekend, we will respond within the next couple of working days.
• 15% - Friendly and individual care. From the point of you contacting us until your trip finishes we would like you to feel comfortable and at ease. We are here ultimately to design your dream trip. All our staff have traveled extensively and are happy to assist you with any, even the boldest, ideas for your trip! No question or query is unimportant or petty when creating your perfect holidays - you can ask us anything and if we don't know the answer, we know how to find it!
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All tours in Russia from certified tour operators

We're in the media, pristine wilderness you've never seen. discover it with big country travel.

Mysterious and impenetrable. Spectacular and extreme. Ancient and severe. It is Siberia. The place one must definitely visit. The home for the world’s largest forests and the planet’s deepest lake is waiting for you.

Watch Gunter's adventures in the video of «Feel Russia» festival

in 2 min 37 sec

Unforgettable experience of thoroughly made routes

This tour is ideal for those who love and appreciate nature. We will see unique places and animals in immaculate settings of their natural habitats, and become one with the...

Cruise to Tiksi is a wonderful opportunity to explore Yakutia’s nature, history and indigenous peoples’ life conditions and traditions and also cross the Arctic Circle and visit...

Travelling with BigCountry.Travel

National tour operator.

• Certified by the Ministry of Economy in Russia
• Personal visa assistant
• Professional guides speaking your language
• Routes made by experts
• Assistance with obtaining medical insurance

No extra fees, local prices

• Reasonable prices due to advantageous currency rate
• No agency charges

Professional crew

• All tour organizers have more than 3 years of experience
• Regularly pass Big Country quality assurance checks

Inspiring travel in Russia

Our tourist's feedback

I can’t find proper words to describe my feelings when I was hiking around the volcanoes. I felt like exploring a new planet! Julia Emily Parks (UK) Was there in July 2019 Want to go there

I fell in love with icy Baikal. It is pure, transparent, mysterious and enormous! My dream to skate on the biggest natural skate rink came true! Monika Sadkowska (Poland) Was there in February 2020 Want to go there

Dog-sled expedition was great experience for me. Huskies are fabulous, each of them has its own character! And I enjoy remembering the sound of snow scrunching beneath our feet :) Jana Ulrich (Germany) Was there in February 2019 Want to go there

I was totally amazed by nature wonders: fumarols, volcanoes, deserted bays and thick bamboo woods. Also enjoyed seafood delicacies – freshly caught in the Pacific ocean! Daniel Pasquier (France) Was there in July 2019 Want to go there

Our partners

Bigcountry.Travel is the international department of Russian federal tour operator Bolshaya Strana LLC

Vast fields, high mountains, endless forests and great rivers filled with big Russian heart. Russia welcomes you!

Discover russia with big country travel.

Russia is a big and very hospitable country. We are glad to provide the biggest pack of guided tours to Russia with 87 destinations including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Karelia, Siberia, Kamchatka, Baikal, Altai, and many other popular regions. Book one of 6100+ tours from local organizers and visit Big Country to take inspiration from its beauty.

Big Country Travel is a national tour operator for incoming tourism in Russia certified by the Ministry of Economic Development in Russian Federation. Inspired by our country and its amazing nature, we created the biggest collection of tours including travel packages and individual itineraries for all kinds of tourists. Get your unforgettable experience and explore unique Russian culture and history with the best private guides and vehicles.

What do you get with us

• Car, helicopter, and jeep tours with experienced local organizers who know everything about the regions you will explore in common.
• Sightseeing tours around the most iconic cultural and historical places in different regions of Russia.
• Yachting and river cruises along the Volga River and other scenic waterways.
• Natural expeditions through the wild Russian regions for passionate explorers.
• Outdoor activities: hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, rafting, horse riding, ski and snowmobile tours.

Hike around the volcanoes, climb the mountains, admire the scenery from the waterside, and get inspired by impressive Russian nature with escorted tours with Big Country Travel. The best destination experts will make everything possible for you to discover the secret spots and stunning places of the biggest country on the planet.

Why exploring Russia with Big Country Travel

As a certified tour operator, we do our best to make your trip as easy and comfortable as possible. Our team is always ready to send you an invitation to provide a Russian visa. We also will help you with booking your flight and accommodation according to your preferences. With Big Country Travel, you explore the country with experienced guides speaking your language and are passionate about their field. If you are going to travel specifically to one of the Russian regions, our team can plan your itinerary and provide related services due to your personal needs.

Our extra benefits

• You can choose a trip with any kind of accommodation, from modern hotels to romantic camping.
• Our collection includes both individual and group tours. The number of participants and guides depends on the chosen program and travel style (hiking, cruise, expedition, etc.)
• You are safe when you travel with us, as every tour includes medical insurance.
• Best prices with zero extra payments. You buy a tour directly from the national tour operator in Russia without the agencies’ fees.

To book a guided tour, choose your destination and select a suitable program from local guides in the place you are going to visit in Russia. You can ask our support team to assist with planning the itinerary for your next big adventure.

• Arkhangelsk region
• Astrakhan region
• Chelyabinsk region
• Ivanovo region
• Kabardino-Balkaria
• Kaliningrad
• Kaliningrad Region
• Kaluga region
• Karachay-Cherkessia
• Kola Peninsula
• Kostroma region
• Krasnoyarsk Territory
• Leningrad region
• Moscow oblast
• Murmansk region
• Nizhny Novgorod region
• North Ossetia
• Novgorod region
• Oryol region
• Perm Region
• Pskov region
• Putorana Plateau
• Ryazan region
• Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands
• Silver Ring
• Small Gold Ring
• Stavropol territory
• Sverdlovsk region
• The Far East
• The Golden Ring
• Tula region
• Tver region
• Tyva (Tuva)
• Vladimir region
• Vladivostok
• Vologda region
• Yaroslavl region
• the North Pole

Travel style

• Bicycle tours
• Combined tours
• Diving and snorkeling
• Dog Sledding tours
• Expeditions
• Fishing tours
• Helicopter tours
• Hiking tours
• Horse riding tours
• Mountain climbing
• Quad Bike tours
• Railway tours
• Rock climbing and canyoning
• Sightseeing tours
• Snowmobile tours
• Surfing and SUP tours
• Yoga and fitness tours

Tour collections

• Ecological tours

Get the Big Travel Guide to Russia!

227 pages about the 8 most popular destinations: best places to go, travel seasons, budget, cuisine and advice from our BigCountry experts

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›

Leisure Travel

Travel and tourism in Russia - statistics & facts

Covid-19 impact on russians' travel destinations, impact of the war in ukraine on tourism in russia, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Russia 2019-2023

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Russia 2019-2023

Tourism spending in Russia 2019-2022, by travel purpose

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Destinations

Leading outbound travel destinations in Russia 2021-2022

Number of outbound tourism trips from Russia 2014-2022

Leading source markets for travel to Russia 2020-2022, by arrivals

Related topics

Recommended.

• Inbound tourism in Europe
• Outbound tourism in European countries
• Travel and tourism in Europe
• Domestic tourism in European countries
• COVID-19: impact on the tourism industry worldwide

Recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Countries with the highest outbound tourism expenditure worldwide 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Travel industry revenue distribution in Russia 2022, by segment
• Premium Statistic Tourism spending in Russia 2019-2022, by travel purpose
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Russia 2019-2023
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Russia 2019-2023

Countries with the highest outbound tourism expenditure worldwide 2019-2022

Countries with the highest outbound tourism expenditure worldwide from 2019 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Travel industry revenue distribution in Russia 2022, by segment

Distribution of travel industry revenue in Russia in 2022, by segment

Travel and tourism spending in Russia from 2019 to 2022, by purpose (in billion U.S. dollars)

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in Russia 2019-2023

Total contribution of travel and tourism to gross domestic product (GDP) in Russia from 2019 to 2023 (in billion Russian rubles)

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in Russia 2019-2023

Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Russia from 2019 to 2023 (in million jobs)

Outbound tourism

• Basic Statistic Outbound travel expenditure in Russia 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourism trips from Russia 2014-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading outbound travel destinations in Russia 2021-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourists from Russia 2022, by territory
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourist flow growth in Russia 2022, by destination
• Premium Statistic European Union (EU) Schengen visas issued in Russia 2010-2021

Outbound travel expenditure in Russia 2011-2022

Outbound travel expenditure in Russia from 2011 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Number of outbound tourism trips from Russia from 2014 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of outbound travel visits from Russia from 2021 to 2022, by destination (in 1,000s)

Number of outbound tourists from Russia 2022, by territory

Number of Russians travelling abroad with tourism purposes in 2022, by territory (in 1,000s)

Outbound tourist flow growth in Russia 2022, by destination

Growth in outbound travelers with tourism purposes from Russia in 2022 compared to 2019, by selected destination

European Union (EU) Schengen visas issued in Russia 2010-2021

Number of Schengen Area visas issued from applications to consulates in Russia from 2010 to 2021*

Inbound and domestic tourism

• Basic Statistic International tourism spending in Russia 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading source markets for travel to Russia 2020-2022, by arrivals
• Basic Statistic Domestic travel spending in Russia 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of nature protected areas in Russia 2015-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Estimated demand for inbound tourism in Russia Q1 2014-Q3 2023
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourist flow growth in Russia 2020-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound tourist arrivals in Russia 2014-2022

International tourism spending in Russia 2011-2022

Spending of international tourists in Russia from 2011 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Leading inbound tourism markets visiting Russia from 2020 to 2022, by number of trips (in 1,000s)

Domestic travel spending in Russia 2019-2022

Domestic tourism expenditure in Russia from 2019 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Number of nature protected areas in Russia 2015-2022, by type

Number of nature conservation areas in Russia from 2015 to 2022, by type

Estimated demand for inbound tourism in Russia Q1 2014-Q3 2023

Estimated balance of demand for inbound tourism in Russia from 1st quarter 2014 to 3rd quarter 2023

Inbound tourist flow growth in Russia 2020-2023

Year-over-year growth in inbound tourism trips with tourism purposes in Russia from 2020 to 2023

Number of inbound tourist arrivals in Russia 2014-2022

Number of inbound tourism visits to Russia from 2014 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Travel companies

• Premium Statistic Travel industry organizations distribution in Russia 2022, by segment
• Premium Statistic Number of tourism companies in Russia 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Most popular travel websites in Russia 2023, by traffic

Travel industry organizations distribution in Russia 2022, by segment

Distribution of travel industry organizations in Russia in 2022, by segment

Number of tourism companies in Russia 2010-2022

Number of travel agencies and reservation service establishments in Russia from 2010 to 2022

Most popular travel websites in Russia 2023, by traffic

Leading travel and tourism websites in Russia in August 2023, by monthly visits (in millions)

Package tours

• Premium Statistic Number of package tours sold in Russia 2014-2021, by type
• Premium Statistic Value of package tours sold in Russia 2014-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Package tour cost in Russia 2014-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Most popular travel destinations on package tours in Russia 2022

Number of package tours sold in Russia 2014-2021, by type

Number of package tours sold in Russia from 2014 to 2021, by tourism type (in 1,000s)

Value of package tours sold in Russia 2014-2022, by type

Total value of package tours sold in Russia from 2014 to 2022, by tourism type (in billion Russian rubles)

Package tour cost in Russia 2014-2022, by type

Average cost of a package tour in Russia from 2014 to 2022, by tourism type (in 1,000 Russian rubles)

Most popular travel destinations on package tours in Russia 2022

Number of outbound tourists sent on tours by travel agencies in Russia in 2022, by destination (in 1,000s)

Transportation

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic airline passengers in Russia monthly 2020-2022
• Premium Statistic Passenger traffic growth of airlines in Russia 2021
• Premium Statistic Travel transportation consumer price in Russia 2022, by type

Number of domestic airline passengers in Russia monthly 2020-2022

Number of passengers boarded by domestic airlines in Russia from January 2020 to May 2022 (in millions)

Passenger traffic growth of airlines in Russia 2021

Year-over-year growth rate in air passengers in Russia in 2021, by carrier

Travel transportation consumer price in Russia 2022, by type

Average consumer price of travel transportation in Russia in 2022, by type (in Russian rubles)

Accommodation

• Basic Statistic Paid travel accommodation services value in Russia 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Travel accommodation establishments in Russia 2022, by federal district
• Basic Statistic Total room area in travel accommodation in Russia 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of visitors in hotels in Russia 2010-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of hotel visitors in Russia 2022, by travel purpose
• Premium Statistic Overnight accommodation cost in Moscow monthly 2020-2023
• Premium Statistic Hotel occupancy rate in Moscow 2023, by segment
• Premium Statistic Average daily hotel rate in Moscow 2023, by segment

Paid travel accommodation services value in Russia 2015-2022

Value of paid services provided by travel accommodation establishments in Russia from 2015 to 2022 (in billion Russian rubles)

Travel accommodation establishments in Russia 2022, by federal district

Number of collective accommodation establishments in Russia in 2022, by federal district

Total room area in travel accommodation in Russia 2013-2022

Total area of rooms in travel accommodation establishments in Russia from 2013 to 2022 (in 1,000 square meters)

Number of visitors in hotels in Russia 2010-2022

Number of visitors in hotels and similar accommodation establishments in Russia from 2010 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of hotel visitors in Russia 2022, by travel purpose

Number of visitors in hotels and similar accommodation establishments in Russia in 2022, by purpose of travel (in 1,000s)

Overnight accommodation cost in Moscow monthly 2020-2023

Average cost of overnight accommodation in Moscow from May 2020 to September 2023 (in euros)

Hotel occupancy rate in Moscow 2023, by segment

Occupancy rate of quality hotels in Moscow from January to March 2023, by segment

Average daily hotel rate in Moscow 2023, by segment

Average daily rate (ADR) in hotels in Moscow from January to March 2023, by segment (in Russian rubles)

Travel behavior

• Premium Statistic Reasons to not travel long-haul in Russia 2022
• Premium Statistic Intention to travel to Europe in Russia 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Summer vacation plans of Russians 2012-2023
• Premium Statistic Travel frequency for private purposes in Russia 2023
• Basic Statistic Average holiday spend per person in Russia 2011-2023
• Premium Statistic Attitudes towards traveling in Russia 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel product online bookings in Russia 2023

Reasons to not travel long-haul in Russia 2022

Main reasons for avoiding travel outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Russia from September to December 2022

Intention to travel to Europe in Russia 2019-2022

Index of intention to travel to Europe from Russia from January 2019 to December 2022 (in points)

Summer vacation plans of Russians 2012-2023

Where do you plan to spend your vacation this summer?

Travel frequency for private purposes in Russia 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in Russia as of March 2023

Average holiday spend per person in Russia 2011-2023

How much money did you spend per person on holidays this summer? (in Russian rubles)

Attitudes towards traveling in Russia 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in Russia as of March 2023

Travel product online bookings in Russia 2023

Travel product online bookings in Russia as of March 2023

Further reports Get the best reports to understand your industry

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

• Travel and tourism in Turkey

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The Full List of Travel Companies Retreating From Russia

Skift Team, Skift

March 11th, 2022 at 10:05 AM EST

The list of companies taking a stand has grown considerably since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly three weeks ago. Here's our latest recap of travel's pullback from Russia.

Skift Staff

Ukraine Coverage

Skift’s reporters and editors are working to explain how the war on Ukraine is impacting travel. All of our stories about the subject are free for all readers.

In merely two weeks, most Western travel companies sliced many arteries of money between them and Russia, responding to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Businesses appear to be complying with sanctions, but some companies went further than what sanctions required — out of a mix of outrage and fear of public shaming.

On March 4, Skift published Russia Travel: Who’s In, Who’s Out , spotlighting travel company actions. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute have been updating a list of hundreds of companies across industries that have rushed to disengage because of the aggression.

Sonnefeld made the case on CNBC for a Western retreat from Russia. The ambition is to spark an economic crisis in Russia that will prompt many of its 145 million citizens to force Putin to stop the humanitarian crisis. The lack of foreign capital may be enough of a blow , agreed other analysts.

Ironically, Putin’s circle may welcome the isolation .

The leakiness of the boycott may also be undermining its impact. Europe is unwilling to cut off energy imports , which more than travel or anything else funds the war . China and countries in the “ global South ” such as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, and Brazil haven’t joined the sanctions.

Some travel companies haven’t pulled back. India’s MakeMyTrip has been selling lodging in Russia. Many hotel brands that have third-party owners in Russia continue to open their doors. Avis, Budget, Rentmotors, and Yodo are among the car rental firms still doing business.

We’ll leave the predictions to the geopolitical experts. Skift’s team will keep updating our list in the table, below.

Companies Curtailing Business in Russia

Skift edit staffers Dennis Schaal, Rashaad Jorden, Matt Parsons, Lebawit Lily Girma, Sean O’Neill, and Madhu Unnikrishnan of Skift’s Airline Weekly contributed to this report.

The above lists aren’t exhaustive, and the situation is fluid.

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Tags: russia , ukraine

Photo credit: A rally for peace in Ukraine outside of the White House in Washington, D.C. mikespeaks / Flickr/Creative Commons

Ukraine war latest: 'Undeclared Russian military intelligence officer' expelled from UK

The Home Office has expelled a Russian defence attaché as part of a series of measures against Moscow. James Cleverly said the attaché was an "undeclared military intelligence officer". Ask our military analysts or international correspondents a question in the box below.

Thursday 9 May 2024 07:33, UK

• Home Office expels Russian diplomat who was 'undeclared military intelligence officer'
• Moscow 'developing nuclear power plant' for joint moon base with China
• Russia hits power facility and other energy infrastructure in massive overnight attack
• Dominic Waghorn: Russia may have crossed the line - but UK move to expel attache increases risk of dangerous escalation
• Ivor Bennett analysis: Painted as a modern-day Tsar, Putin seems more confident than ever
• Ed Conway : Russian oil still seeping into UK - the reasons why sanctions are not working
• Live reporting by  Ollie Cooper

Ask a question or make a comment

Thanks for following our live coverage, we'll be back soon with more live updates. 

Kosovo's foreign minister has said her country is convinced Russia must lose the war in Ukraine for conflict not to spread further in Europe.

Donika Gervalla-Schwarz said her young nation's support for Ukraine was unconditional - despite Kyiv not having recognised Kosovo's independence.

Ms Gervalla-Schwarzd her small Balkan nation, which declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, is repeatedly reminded of the aggressive intentions of both Serbia and its ally Russia.

"Ukraine hasn't recognised the Republic of Kosovo as a state, but we really believe that we know exactly what Ukraine is going through," she told The Associated Press in an interview.

"And we know that there is only one solution, not only for Ukraine, but for Europe," she said.

"It can only be Russia to lose the war and Ukraine to win this war. Otherwise, Europe should prepare for other conflicts in our continent."

The people of Kosovo were the targets of war crimes and other atrocities by Serbia's security forces in the 1990s, an experience that led Kosovo to seek independence.

"While Kosovo is a small state with very modest possibilities to help, we have tried to be very helpful with Ukraine and have not hesitated to show our unconditional support and sympathy to the people and to the state of Ukraine," Ms Gervalla-Schwarz said.

Lord Cameron has called the UK's measures on a Russian defence attache "an unequivocal message" to Moscow. 

The foreign secretary was replying to James Cleverly's post on X in which he said the Home Office expelled a Russian defence attache as part of a series of measures against the country.

Other measures in the package include removing the diplomatic premises status from several Russian owned properties in the UK and capping the amount of time Russian diplomats can spend in the UK.

Budapest is once again raising eyebrows across the world's biggest military alliance as it pledges to defy a NATO initiative. 

The alliance's long-term plan to support Ukraine militarily was agreed in April, but was dubbed a "crazy mission" by Hungary's foreign minister today. 

Under the plans, NATO would take over some coordination work from a US-led coalition known as the Ramstein group.

Discussing the plans today, Peter Szijjarto said: "Hungary will stay out of NATO's crazy mission despite all the pressure."

Relations between Budapest and NATO have soured because of Hungary's foot-dragging over the ratification of Sweden's NATO accession - finally passed by Budapest in March - and also over nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's close ties with Moscow. 

The Russian embassy in London has said there will be "an appropriate response" after Britain expelled a Russian defence attache.

The embassy said the restrictions that had been imposed were done under a "groundless and ridiculous pretext", according to Russian state news agency TASS.

It comes after Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was reported as telling journalists that the Kremlin will respond appropriately following the expulsion.

Dominic Waghorn, international affairs editor

It's always assumed defence attaches play some kind of role gatherling intelligence and that is generally tolerated by their host countries. 

They could be gathering data about weapons production for instance or ship building but there is a line they are expected not to cross. 

The assumption here is that the Russians have broken the rules of the game.

But the British government will have thought long and hard before expelling the Russian. It doesn't come without cost.

In their day jobs defence attaches play a crucial role in liaising with their hosts.  That can be very important in terms of avoiding misunderstandings that could lead to unnecessary and dangerous escalation. 

Losing Russia’s defence attache in London deprives the UK of one more line of liaison at a time when clear understanding and clarification could be essential to avoiding deepening conflict.

That is not ideal at a time of war. 

What is not clear is how much these moves are connected specifically to the conduct of the Russians involved or should they actually be seen more as another chapter in the diplomatic war underway between Russia and the UK.

The UK has undoubtedly weakened Russia's ability to spy in the UK and gather intelligence but these measures will also affect Britain's ability to predict and avoid potential escalation. 

That will be made even worse if Russia, as may be expected, responds with like-for-like retaliation

Seven people have been injured by Russian shelling in eastern Kharkiv, according to the region's governor.

Oleg Synegubov said among those wounded was an eight-year-old girl and three boys, two aged 14 and the other 15. 

"Two [of the] boys are in serious condition, [the other] boy and [the] girl are in average condition," he said. 

One 55-year-old civilian of unspecified gender was also hospitalised. 

Two women had minor injuries. 

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has offered his thoughts on the expulsion of a Russian defence attache the government has accused of being an undeclared military intelligence officer. 

"Today we've expelled Russia's defence attache who has been working as an intelligence officer for Putin in the UK," he said on X. 

"We will not tolerate Putin’s efforts to undermine our nation and democracy and will continue to stand up for freedom here and in Ukraine."

Each week we ask readers for their questions on the war for our military analysts and international correspondents.

This week,  military analyst Sean Bell  answers:

Why is Ukraine focusing its drone attacks on oil refineries rather than near the front lines? Mike

Thanks, Mike, for this topical question.

Although the ultimate metric of success in this brutal war is territory gained, to achieve that outcome requires a more complex strategy than simply focusing on the frontline battle.

One of the reasons that the Royal Air Force was formed as an independent service was the recognition that greater impact could often be achieved by targeting enemy logistics and supply lines behind the frontline, rather than simply focusing effort on the "close battle".  

Military action is ultimately driven by political will to achieve a desired end-state; the military simply creates the conditions in which a political outcome can be achieved.  

At the tactical level of warfare, the focus is on the battles of individual soldiers and units prevailing against tactical targets.

However, at the other end of the spectrum, senior military strategists seek to attack the enemy's "centre of gravity" - the one thing that the enemy cannot afford to lose and thus must protect at all costs.

'Fight smarter'

In the Second World War, much of the Allied bombing effort was targeting German industrial capacity, as without the ability to regenerate military equipment and ammunition, the war would not be sustainable.  

Ukraine has a smaller army than Russia, and so any conventional attritional battle would favour Russia.

Therefore, Ukraine has to try to "fight smarter" and erode Russia's will - or capacity - to fight.  

A war on this scale consumes huge quantities of resource, which has to be funded in some way.  

Russia's oil exports fund Vladimir Putin's military campaign and also pay for imports of vital munitions from North Korea and Iran.  

By targeting the enemy's oil facilities Ukraine will be aiming to reduce Russia's export capacity, which in turn impacts Russia's ability to fund the war.  

That might not help the close battle, but could undermine Russia's commitment to a longer-duration conflict.

And, although drones are an "irritation" to the frontline forces, the quantity of explosives they are able to deliver is relatively small, so their effect is relatively limited.  

However, an oil facility is very vulnerable to a relatively small-scale explosion, which can spread swiftly to destroy a crucial part of Russia's critical national infrastructure - more bang per buck.

So, although Ukraine desperately needs to stop Russia from breaking through its frontlines, we can expect to see Ukraine continue to target energy infrastructure as part of a broader strategy in its war with Russia.

We now have more details regarding the freshly expelled Russian defence attache we reported on in our 1.10pm post. 

The attache accused by the Home Office of being an undeclared military intelligence officer spying for the Kremlin is Colonel Maxim Elovik. 

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US soldier arrested in Russia to be held for two months after traveling to meet a woman

Gordon black, 34, was arrested under the ‘theft‘ article of russia’s criminal code, and will be held until at least 2 july, article bookmarked.

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A Russian court confirmed on Tuesday that a US solider would be held in custody for at least two months after their arrest on theft charges.

Gordon Black, 34, was arrested under the “theft” article of Russia’s criminal code , court spokesperson Elena Oleneva said in a statement, and will be held until at least 2 July.

The American staff sergeant was detained in Russia on Thursday while travelling from where he was stationed in South Korea to the Russian port city of Vladivostok . He was on his way home to Texas and stopped in Russia to meet a woman he was romantically involved with, officials said.

He was charged with “secretly stealing property” of a person referred to as “citizen T”, Pervomaisky District Court in Vladivostok said, after a 32-year-old woman, whom he had met in South Korea where she was working at the time, filed a complaint against him, according to Russia’s interior ministry.

The two began a relationship, and after the woman returned to Vladivostok the man came to visit her, arriving on April 10, the statement said, saying the couple later had an argument.

After the man left, the woman discovered an undisclosed sum of money was missing and filed a police report. The statement said the man had been arrested at a local hotel and purchased airline tickets, intending to flee to his home country. The Russian daily newspaper Izvestia , quoting an unnamed source, said the soldier had stolen 200,000 roubles ($2,196) from her.

Sgt Black is being held in pre-trial detention, the court said in a separate statement, referring only to “US citizen B.”

His detention was to prevent him from evading charges, the court added.

“The court came to the conclusion that US citizen B, under the weight of the charges, in order to avoid responsibility, could hide from the preliminary investigation authorities and the court, thereby preventing the proceedings in the case,” the statement said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s office in Vladivostok has claimed his arrest has nothing to do with politics, according to state news agency TASS.

“This case has no relation to politics or espionage. As far as we understand, a household crime [is suspected] in this case. That is why the Russian Foreign Ministry’s mission in Vladivostok is not following the case of the US citizen closely,” the mission said.

The White House and the US embassy in Russia have confirmed that they are aware of Sgt Black’s arrest. “We are aware of reports of US citizens being arrested inside of Russia... Consular officers from the embassy always seek to aid citizens with appropriate assistance, but due to privacy concerns we aren’t able to comment further,” the embassy said in a statement.

White House National Security communications advisor, John Kirby, also told Politico he could not comment further. Sgt Black has not been named by the US Army.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, said on Monday that he was “deeply concerned” by the news, adding that Sgt Black’s arrest is a “warning to all Americans” that it is “not safe to travel to Russia”.

Current travel guidance from the US State Department advises against all travel to Russia.

Sgt Black’s arrest comes after another US citizen was arrested and detained in Russia last week. The man, named as “Russell William”, was sentenced to 10 days in jail for “petty hooliganism”, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti on its Telegram channel .

Citing a report from Ren TV, RIA said the American “got drunk, climbed through the window into a children’s library and fell asleep there”.

Several Americans are currently being held in Russian prisons, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was jailed last March, and former marine Paul Whelan, who was arrested in 2018. The US government has said both are wrongfully detained.

In late April, Mr Gershkovich was told he would remain in a Russian jail until at least the end of June. He is accused of espionage. Meanwhile, LA woman Ksenia Karelin was arrested on charges of treason in February while visiting family in Russia, after allegedly sending $51.80 to a Ukrainian charity.

WNBA player Brittney Griner was also detained by Russia in early 2022 on drug-related charges. She was released as part of a prisoner swap in December 2022 and has written a book, Coming Home , about her harrowing experiences .

The arrest of US citizens in Russia has reached Cold War levels, according to The Associated Press.

Tensions have remained high between the US and Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Here's what we know about the American soldier detained in Russia

Officials have now shared more information about the U.S. soldier who was arrested in Russia earlier this month.

Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith informed Scripps News that Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, was detained on May 2 for alleged theft of personal property. He is currently being held in a Russian detention facility awaiting trial.

Smith said Black was most recently stationed in South Korea and was scheduled to return home to Cavazos, Texas, while on permanent change of station leave. However, instead of returning to the U.S., Smith said Black traveled through China to Vladivostok, Russia, for "personal reasons."

"There is no evidence Black intended to remain in Russia after his PCS leave period ended," Smith said in a statement.

Brittney Griner opens up about mental struggles during Russian imprisonment

Smith added that Black did not receive permission from the military to go to China or Russia and that travel to both countries is currently restricted under the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide. Smith said the Army notified Black's family of his arrest shortly after Russian officials informed the U.S. embassy in Moscow.

During a White House press briefing Monday, National Security Council Coordinator John F. Kirby confirmed that the State Department was aware of Black's arrest, but said he couldn't offer more details at the time.

"I can't really say much about it right now," he said.

Russia has arrested several Americans, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan . The U.S. State Department has labeled them as being wrongfully detained.

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