The tourism industry between Russia and Vietnam has experienced a remarkable surge, with a sharp increase in the number of Russian tourists heading to Vietnam throughout the year. According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), this boost is not just limited to the autumn and winter months, but is extending into the May holidays and summer vacation period as well.
Maya Lomidze, head of ATOR, credits several key factors for this rapid growth. First, there is significant pent-up demand from Russian tourists who were previously restricted due to the pandemic. The resumption of direct flights between the two countries has made travel easier, and the strengthening of the ruble has also made Vietnam a more affordable destination for Russian travelers.
Lomidze predicts that Vietnam will likely be among the top 10 summer destinations for Russian tourists in 2025, with the potential to even reach the top five.
Restored Air Links Fuel Growth
The restoration of direct flights between Russia and Vietnam is playing a critical role in the tourism boom. After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, Aeroflot resumed direct flights to Nha Trang on March 22. In addition, Vietnam Airlines plans to launch regular flights between Moscow and Hanoi starting in May. This, coupled with expanded charter flight programs by Azur Air and Pegas Touristik, has made it easier for Russians to travel to Vietnam.
Timur Sadykov, the Russian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed optimism that the restoration of air links would not only revive tourism levels to pre-pandemic figures but might also exceed them, further strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Increasing Demand Across the Board
The surge in tourism is evident across various platforms. Travelata.ru, a prominent travel website, reported a 5% increase in demand for group tours to Vietnam in March and a 9% increase in February, month-on-month. Additionally, Sletat.ru observed that tour sales from February 1 to March 18 tripled compared to the previous year.
With a growing interest in Vietnam and a strong recovery in flight options, it’s clear that the country is well-positioned to remain a key destination for Russian tourists in the coming months.
