Russian travelers prefer online booking for their vacation plans.
In a significant development for the Russian tourism industry, a study conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) has revealed a growing trend towards independent travel planning among Russian tourists, particularly through the use of online platforms.
Alexander Bragin, Director of the Association of Tourist Aggregators (ATAG), emphasized the boost that independent trips provide to domestic tourism. He also highlighted the role of digital technologies in making travel more accessible and flexible.
The study, reported by RIA Novosti, did not provide information on the demographic breakdown of the Russian tourists surveyed. However, it suggested that the majority of Russian tourists prefer to plan their trips independently, with 84% of domestic tourists and 63% of independent travelers using online platforms for booking.
The study focused on the preferences of Russian tourists regarding travel planning and found that Russians expect online services to assist with technical issues and cancellations (57%), provide accurate information about suppliers (49%), and offer convenient search and booking (47%). If issues arise during a trip, 76% of respondents first contact the service provider, and 51% contact the online platform.
The results of the study indicate a strong shift towards the use of local digital services like Yandex.Travel, Ostrovok.ru, and Aviasales. These platforms not only provide booking options but also integrate affiliate programs and advertisements tailored to the Russian market.
The growing preference for independent travel over package tours, particularly among millennials and digital nomads, is another key characteristic of these trends. These travelers seek more cultural immersion, wellness, and eco-tourism experiences.
The average booking lead time has increased in 2025 to around 34 days compared to previous shorter windows, with many travelers securing partial payments early to hedge against currency fluctuations. The use of social media influencers and platforms like Instagram and Telegram to discover and decide on destinations, especially among younger Russians, is also on the rise.
Russians are also diversifying their destination choices towards friendly or visa-easy countries such as Sri Lanka, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Maldives, and Vietnam, driven by both convenience and cultural preferences.
In conclusion, Russian travelers are increasingly digital-savvy and independent planners who use local online platforms extensively for travel arrangements. Their booking behavior trends towards early, well-informed, and price-conscious decisions facilitated by trusted domestic digital services. This shift away from traditional travel agencies towards online platforms is seen across different age groups in Russia.
Technology plays a crucial role in shaping the lifestyle of Russian travelers by making independent travel planning more accessible and flexible, with over 84% of domestic tourists and 63% of independent travelers using online platforms like Yandex.Travel, Ostrovok.ru, and Aviasales for booking.
The new trend among Russian travelers involves preferring independent travel over package tours, with an inclination towards cultural immersion, wellness, and eco-tourism experiences, supported by the increasing use of digital technology and local online platforms for travel arrangements.
