Russian Old Cities Become Top Domestic Tourist Destinations Amid Online Booking Surge
The Russian Association of Tour Operators recently reported a surge in self-organized trips to historic cities and towns, such as Kolomna, Rybinsk, Kostroma, Rostov Veliky, Susdal, and Shuya, all founded between the 9th and 14th centuries. According to the association, the number of such trips in 2024 is expected to explode.
For instance, the online booking platform MTS Travel has seen a doubling of demand for these destinations.
The president of the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry, Ilya Umansky, stated that Russian cities on the Golden Ring are experiencing a renaissance, with a 30% increase in demand for accommodations compared to the previous year.
The Golden Ring is a collection of nine cities, including Vladimir, Suzdal, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Veliky, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, and Sergiev Posad, which are linked to significant events in the country’s medieval history. These cities boast unique architectural landmarks, such as kremlin buildings, monasteries, and cathedrals.
In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the development of domestic tourism as a priority for the country’s long-term economic strategy, with the goal of increasing the tourism industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP to 5%.
Regional authorities have recently taken steps to develop the tourism industry, making Russian cities more attractive to visitors. The cities on the Golden Ring now host various music, art, and gastronomy festivals, as well as sports events and celebrations honoring Russian folk heroes.
As Western countries have become less accessible to many Russians due to visa restrictions and limited flight connections, domestic tourism has gained popularity over the past two years. Despite the rising costs of travel, the surge in demand is expected to continue. The Russian Association of Tour Operators estimates that the average cost of an overnight stay in Russian hotels in 2024 will be 20% higher compared to the previous year, while the prices of train and flight tickets have increased by up to 30% compared to 2023.