Turkey leading in summer 2025 bookings with Russian tour operators - RUTI

MOSCOW. Dec 24 (Interfax) - The ruble weakening in November caused a brief decline in demand for international travel, yet tour operators are expecting sales to intensify in February, the press service for the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) said, adding that Turkey was the most popular destination of Russian tourists.

"We are expecting sales to intensify in February 2025 during a promotion campaign, due to the continued resumption of outbound tourism, deferred demand, a great selection of hotels, and the risks associated with currency volatility, including the ruble weakening by summer. Promotion campaign discounts may reach 70% of the accommodation fee, and this is the guarantee of the best hotels and rooms," the press service quoted RUTI Vice President Dmitry Gorin as saying.

Early booking luckily coincided with the ruble strengthening in spring 2024, which boosted sales for popular destinations, he said.

The RUTI said earlier the number of international travels from Russia would grow 20% in 2024, and tour operators expected to send about 10 million tourists abroad.