Russia’s tourism boom: From Moscow’s gastronomy to Crimea’s beaches and beyond
Russian travelers prioritize quality experiences, with cities like Rostov-on-Don, Yekaterinburg, and Nizhny Novgorod emerging as top destinations for attractions. The government is boosting tourism infrastructure and domestic travel, while employers can now deduct vacation package costs as business expenses.
A recent study analyzed leisure opportunities in 218 Russian cities, using VEB.RF’s Quality of Life Index. It revealed that family vacations are the most popular way to spend time off. For city breaks, Moscow offers the widest range of gastronomic options, led by renowned chefs like Anatoly Komm. Meanwhile, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Samara excel in cultural attractions, including museums, cinemas, theaters, and galleries.
In the off-season, cultural and educational tourism in cities like Nizhny Novgorod and Yekaterinburg gains popularity. For beach and nature tourism, Krasnodar Krai, the Republic of Crimea, Leningrad Oblast, the Altai region, and Lake Baikal are top choices.
With quality of experience being the top priority, Russian travelers are spoiled for choice. From Moscow's diverse gastronomy to Yekaterinburg's cultural attractions, and from beach holidays in Crimea to nature retreats in the Altai region, Russia's tourism scene is thriving, thanks to government initiatives and evolving travel trends.
