Why Russian Travelers Are Finding Better Deals in Asia This Year

Hotels across Asia are slashing prices, and Russian tourists stand to benefit. According to Arthur Muradyan, vice president of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) and CEO of Space Travel, the drop in European visitors has left many Asian hotels scrambling to fill rooms. Speaking to RIA Novosti, Muradyan explained that European travelers have largely stopped flying to Asia, especially those who used to connect through the Middle East. That shift has created a surplus of empty beds—and hotels are responding with discounts.

“The decline in the European market is visible everywhere, particularly in countries where Europeans used to fly with a stopover in the Middle East—that means all of Asia,” Muradyan said. “As a result, you can find hotels offering discounts because they’re short on guests.”

Unlike European tourists, who now prefer staying closer to home, Russians are quick to return to destinations they like, according to Muradyan. “Russian tourists aren’t easily scared,” he noted. “They come back to any destination pretty fast.”

Looking ahead, tour operators are expected to roll out early-booking deals and special promotions for the fall and winter seasons. The goal, Muradyan said, is to test whether Russian travelers are still interested. For now, the combination of hotel discounts and targeted offers makes Asia an increasingly affordable option for Russian holidaymakers.