Russian Travelers Set Sights on Middle East as Tour Operators Resume Sales

Russian tourists may soon be heading back to the Middle East in greater numbers, with industry experts predicting a rebound in demand for Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia by late summer and fall. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reports that travel companies have already resumed selling packages to Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, following the lifting of restrictions by Russia’s Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Economic Development.

However, the cost of airfare remains a major hurdle. Regular flights to these destinations are significantly more expensive than those to the United Arab Emirates, where higher flight volumes keep prices lower. According to ATOR, one operator, Russky Express, noted that this price gap is steering travelers toward the Emirates instead. Meanwhile, PAC Group pointed out that current bookings to the Middle East are modest, partly due to the typical seasonal slowdown. ITM Group added that a full return to last year’s booking levels is unlikely, as some demand has shifted to alternative destinations during the travel restrictions.

Among the countries showing the strongest recovery potential, tour operators highlight Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, in particular, got a boost from a visa-free regime that took effect on May 11, according to data from PAX. The renewed interest follows Russia’s decision in June to lift its advisory against travel to the Persian Gulf states, with the Ministry of Economic Development also revoking its recommendation to suspend tour sales to the region.