Russian travel giants OneTwoTrip and Yandex Travel are reporting an unprecedented surge in hotel bookings across Europe’s most popular destinations—Spain, France, and Italy. According to leading Russian newspaper Vedomosti, eager travelers from Russia are reserving accommodations at record-breaking rates for the upcoming spring season.
OneTwoTrip data shows that hotel bookings in Italy have increased by an impressive 33% compared to the previous year, while Spain has witnessed a 65% rise, and France follows closely with a 45% boost. Meanwhile, Yandex Travel reports even more dramatic figures: bookings for Italy have surged by an astounding 6.5 times, France by 7.5 times, and Spain by a remarkable 7.6 times.
Industry experts suggest that Russian tourists have swiftly adapted to Europe’s evolving entry regulations. Many are taking advantage of connecting flights and securing international banking services through neighboring CIS countries. Additionally, a partial easing of the EU’s visa policies in 2024 has further facilitated travel, leading to the current surge in reservations.
However, the crucial question remains: Does this surge in Russian tourism pose any safety concerns for Europe? With more visitors arriving than ever before, local authorities and residents are closely monitoring the situation. Will this resurgence contribute to economic revitalization and cultural exchange, or will it introduce new border security challenges?
One thing is undeniable—European getaways are firmly back on the radar for Russian travelers. If these skyrocketing trends persist, spring 2025 could mark a significant chapter in post-pandemic travel history.
