Russians taking a peaceful break
Quiet Tourism on the Rise in Russia
A new trend in travel is emerging in Russia, as more and more people are seeking peaceful and nature-focused experiences. Known as quiet tourism or slow tourism, this shift towards sustainable and immersive travel is gaining popularity both domestically and among Russians traveling abroad.
The small town of Tarusa, located in the Kaluga region, is a prime example of this trend. Once a quiet corner of Russia, Tarusa has seen a surge in development over the past few years due to an influx of city dwellers seeking a change of pace during the pandemic. Today, the town boasts a variety of small hotels, businesses, workshops, museums, and cafes, including a French cuisine restaurant where onion soup is particularly notable.
While the cost of accommodation in certain cities during the New Year holidays can reach approximately 40 thousand rubles per day, Tarusa offers more affordable options for those seeking a luxurious vacation. However, some guests may find the prices high compared to their expectations.
The trend of quiet tourism is not limited to Tarusa. Residents of megacities often lack standard two-week vacations but have the financial means for more travel, albeit with limited time. As a result, smaller, peaceful cities like Gorokhovets, Zaraysk, Kirillov, Alexin, Rybinsk, Tver, Yuryev-Polsky, Vyazniki, and Kasimov are becoming increasingly popular destinations.
In fact, the largest city where people go for relaxed vacations is Rybinsk in the Yaroslavl region, with a population of around 180,000. The town's appeal lies in its peaceful atmosphere, combined with a variety of cultural and natural attractions.
The rise of quiet tourism aligns with a broader interest in cultural immersion, wellness, eco-tourism, and participatory tourism. This trend is not unique to Russia, as travelers worldwide are seeking quieter, off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer tranquility and avoid mass tourism.
In 2024, the domestic tourist flow in Russia reached a historical peak of 92 million trips, compared to less than 80 million in 2023. This growth in domestic tourism is likely due to the increasing appeal of quieter destinations like Tarusa and Rybinsk, as well as the growing demand for nature-oriented and culturally rich travel experiences.
While the hotel industry in Russia had to build its system from scratch three years ago due to the departure of large international hotel operators, the trend of quiet tourism is helping to fill the gap. Destinations like Altai and Kamchatka are becoming increasingly popular, as people seek to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities in favour of nature and contemplation.
According to Svetlana Belova, quiet tourism is almost accessible everywhere in Russia now, but the high cost remains a problem for some travelers. Despite this, the trend shows no signs of slowing down, as more and more Russians seek peaceful, accessible locations with eco- and wellness tourism options, both domestically and abroad.
Sources: [1] Kommersant FM Telegram channel [2] Various sources [3] Svetlana Belova
- To cater to the growing demand for peaceful and nature-focused experiences, home-and-garden businesses in destinations like Tarusa or Rybinsk are flourishing, providing tourists with immersive and sustainable travel options.
- As quiet tourism continues to gain popularity in Russia, individuals seeking a luxury lifestyle can consider combining their home-and-garden, travel, and lifestyle interests in tranquil locations like Gorokhovets, Zaraysk, or Yuryev-Polsky, offering culturally rich and nature-oriented experiences.
