More Russians Skip Tour Operators, Book Turkey Travel on Their Own

Russian tourists are increasingly organizing their own trips to Turkey, booking flights and accommodation directly without the help of tour operators, according to industry insiders. Ihsan Tasmaz, owner of a hotel chain in Antalya and a member of the Turkish Association of Travel Agencies (TURSAB), told RIA Novosti that the shift is most noticeable among repeat visitors who already know the resorts and local infrastructure. “They want more freedom, less dependence on package deals, and the ability to control their own budget,” Tasmaz said. Many now buy airline tickets and book apartments or small boutique hotels through online platforms. Meanwhile, tour sector representatives in Antalya noted that Russians have started making advance reservations for 2026 earlier than usual, hoping to lock in prices before the traditional summer spike. The average cost of a weeklong all-inclusive package for two in a five-star hotel currently ranges from 180,000 to 300,000 rubles, depending on the resort, hotel grade, and season. Turkish tourism officials expect the flow of Russian visitors to remain strong in 2026, with forecasts of 6 to 7 million arrivals. Russia is poised to stay one of the largest source markets for Turkish resorts. Russian tourists are also among the leaders in length of stay and total spending, averaging over $1,000 per person.