Russian tourists to Vietnam increase sharply

Russian visitors to Vietnam - Photo 1.

Russian tourists enjoy many tourism products in Nha Trang - Illustration photo: TRAN HOAI

The Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) said the wave of Russian tourists to Vietnam increased dramatically, not only in autumn and winter, but also during the May and summer holidays.

Association head Maya Lomidze said several factors had come together for the increase, including years of pent-up demand, the resumption of direct flights between the two sides and a rising ruble.

"According to our estimates, Vietnam will definitely be in the top 10 summer destinations for Russians, maybe even the top 5," she said.

Direct flights between Russia and Vietnam have resumed after a long suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aeroflot will open direct flights to Nha Trang from March 22. Vietnam Airlines plans to operate regular flights between Moscow and Hanoi from May 2025.

Meanwhile, Azur Air and Pegas Touristik are expanding their charter programs.

Consul General of the Russian Federation in Ho Chi Minh City Timur Sadykov expressed hope that the flights will boost tourism, not only equal to but surpass pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, and contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries.

Travel site Travelata.ru said demand for tour groups to Vietnam increased by 5% in March and 9% in February, both compared to the previous month.

According to Sletat.ru , tour sales from February 1 to March 18 increased three times compared to the same period last year. Level.Travel also recorded a four-fold increase in the number of tours sold in March. This makes Vietnam the fastest growing destination, surpassing Thailand, Indonesia and other countries in the region.

According to Yandex Travel, air ticket sales to Vietnam increased by 49% compared to the same period last year and the average cost for a flight was 81,000 rubles (about more than 24 million VND).

A report by booking site Ostrovok shows that hotel bookings in Vietnam have increased by 25% since the beginning of March, with the average cost per night being 5,100 rubles (VND1.5 million), up 18%.