The winter tourism season 2024–2025 has seen a large-scale launch of charter programs from 10 Siberian cities. According to RATA-News, over 237,000 tourists from Siberian regions will travel abroad between October 2024 and March 2025. Main destinations: Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, India (Goa), and, for the first time, Cambodia.
Thailand remains the top charter destination
Thailand accounts for over 55% of all charter seat allocations — the most popular choice for Siberians. Notably, there’s been a shift: while Bangkok and Pattaya dominated before, this season Phuket has taken the lead.
Tour operators explain this trend by Phuket’s previous reputation as a premium destination. With expanded charter flights, it has become more accessible. Tourists now prefer island resorts with pristine beaches and nature.
Departure cities and destinations
- Phuket & Bangkok — flights from Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Kemerovo, Omsk, Barnaul, Tomsk, Ulan-Ude.
- Nha Trang, Vietnam — programs from all 10 cities: Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Kemerovo, Omsk, Barnaul, Tomsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita, Khabarovsk.
- Sharm El Sheikh & Hurghada, Egypt — charters from Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kemerovo, Omsk.
- Goa, India — direct flights from Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kemerovo.
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia — new route this season, available only from Novosibirsk (operated by Pegas Touristik).
Key hubs and exceptions
Largest volumes are concentrated in major cities:
- Novosibirsk — main transport hub, offering all five destinations.
- Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Kemerovo — second tier by volume.
Ulan-Ude and Chita have joint flights to Vietnam with a stopover in Irkutsk for passenger loading. Abakan and Bratsk are not included this season — no direct international charters.
Tours and pricing: what to expect
Siberian tour operators hope to avoid price undercutting. Booking depth averages 2–3 weeks, indicating high demand volatility.
Most popular tour length — 9–10 nights (1–2 nights shorter than pre-crisis years), due to work and budget considerations.
Tour package prices (flight + 3–4* hotel) start from $1,200–1,300 per person (double occupancy). Phuket and Goa are 10–15% more expensive than Nha Trang or Egypt.
Conclusion
Winter 2024–2025 marks a milestone for Siberian tourism: expanded geography, rising demand for Phuket, and the debut of Cambodia. Novosibirsk has solidified its role as Siber’s main charter hub. If current booking trends continue, all scheduled programs will be fully implemented.
Source: RATA-News №61425, tour operator report, October 2024 – February 2025
Back to list
