Russia has experienced significant growth in tourism during the first quarter of 2026. It welcomed 1.6 million foreign tourists in January-April 2026, which is 30% more than in the same period in 2025, according to reports made available at the opening of the international exhibition as part of ‘Let’s Travel’ on June 10.
The key topic of inbound tourism has become not only an important economic objective but also a soft power tool and a way to shape Russia’s image globally. Generally there is a stable interest in travel destinations inside Russia, despite unprecedented external pressure. The inbound tourist flow has increased 1.5 times over the past two years, as tourists reoriented toward new markets, especially from the Middle East and Asian regions.
Particularly from Asia, tourist flow between Russia and China is projected to increase by 60% in 2026 compared with the previous year. About 25% of that is growth in Chinese visitors traveling to Russia, while travel by Russians [to China] is up around 60%. By the end of the year, in absolute terms, it is expected that the mutual tourist flow with China will reach 4-4.5 mln. According to reports, the number of flights between the two countries is increasing. “China is offering a very reasonably priced tourism product while maintaining a good level of service. As a result, this is becoming competitive even with destinations such as Thailand, Turkey, where prices are rising sharply, and Egypt,” the report said.
The government has expressed the willingness to provide the necessary support to foreign businesses investing in high-quality inbound tourism infrastructure, and demand also exists for the development of cross-border routes and destinations such as Russia’s Far East, Siberia, the Lake Baikal region, and conventional tourist destinations. Moscow and St. Petersburg are also very attractive for foreign visitors.
Reasons for Visiting Russia
There are common reasons why foreigners visit Russia. In this context, the simple question is why people fall in love with Russia. The people and their friendliness. Social attitudes.
Tourists visit Russia for its iconic architecture, world-renowned cultural institutions, and vast, diverse landscapes. While global travel dynamics have shifted recently, international travelers (particularly from China, the Middle East, and parts of the CIS) continue to visit for specific draws, favorable exchange rates, and unique cultural experiences.
Key Attractions and Motivations
Imperial History and Grandeur: Cities like St. Petersburg (often called the “Venice of the North”) and Moscow are major draws. Tourists are attracted to historical hubs such as the Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, alongside the lavish palaces and canals of St. Petersburg.
World-Class Arts and Museums: Russia’s cultural heritage is highly celebrated. Visitors flock to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg (which houses one of the largest painting collections in the world) and renowned venues like the Bolshoi Theatre.
Diverse Nature and Landscapes: Spanning 11 time zones, Russia offers everything from polar exploration and the Northern Lights in the Kola Peninsula/Arctic regions to the deep waters of Lake Baikal and the volcanic landscapes of Kamchatka.
Affordability: Favorable exchange rates and affordable hospitality options make it an attractive and high-value destination for many international travelers.
Visa Policies: The implementation of visa-free group travel rules for citizens of several countries (like China) has significantly boosted inbound visitor numbers. For stunning cinematic footage that highlights the grand cities, colorful domes, and the magical atmosphere of winter in Russia.
The Let’s Travel forum has been held in Moscow at the VDNKh national exhibition center since 2021. Delegations from 75 Russian regions and over 30 foreign countries participated in 2026. The program includes a business section, a cultural festival, and an exhibition dedicated to traveling in Russia.
