According to tourism expert Alexey Gorin, Thailand has solidified its position as the most popular destination for Russian tourists in the first half of 2025. The Kingdom ranked first in outbound trips, outperforming other international resorts.
Winter destinations lead the way
As Gorin noted, the winter season was key in shaping tourism statistics. In second place is Spain, visited by around 270,000 Russians. Vietnam completes the top three with 180,000 visitors from Russia.
Other popular destinations included India, the Maldives, UAE, and Qatar. These countries attracted tourists with warm climates, affordable prices, and rich sightseeing programs.
Summer resorts gaining momentum
With the arrival of summer, the structure of tourist flows is shifting. Preliminary data shows that European coastal destinations will lead: Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, and Spain.
Particular interest is seen in resorts with developed infrastructure and direct flights. Many tourists seek a mix of beach relaxation and cultural immersion, making these countries especially appealing.
Egypt returns to the market
The expert also noted that Egypt will appear in the rankings by year-end. With the resumption of regular flights and increased tour operator offerings, the country is actively returning to the list of popular destinations.
The Red Sea, affordable prices, and the opportunity to combine relaxation with diving and excursions to ancient sites are Egypt’s main advantages over other resorts.
Russian resorts in the summer spotlight
Domestic destinations are also in demand. Krasnodar Krai, Crimea, and the Altai continue to attract tourists, especially families with children and adventure seekers.
Forecasts suggest that domestic tourism will account for about 40% of all trips in 2025 — indicating growing interest in local routes and Russia’s natural beauty.
What’s next for tourism in 2025?
The expert emphasized that the tourism market remains dynamic. Demand flexibly responds to seasonality, pricing, visa availability, and air connectivity.
By year-end, the rankings may shift: amid rising prices in Europe and ruble fluctuations, destinations in Asia and the Middle East are expected to grow even more popular.
Conclusion
Thailand has become a symbol of revived outbound tourism, but seasonality continues to shape new trends. This summer, the focus will shift to the Mediterranean and domestic resorts, with Egypt entering the race by year-end. The key is to plan ahead and keep an eye on tour operator promotions.
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