On June 15, Cam Ranh International Airport in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa province, welcomed the first direct flight from Vladivostok, carrying 250 Russian tourists. This flight marks the start of a new route connecting Vietnam with Russia six times per week during the peak summer travel season, significantly boosting the tourism industry, particularly in Khanh Hoa and other regions across Vietnam.

Russia has quickly become Vietnam’s fastest-growing source of international tourists. In the first five months of this year alone, Vietnam welcomed over 210,000 Russian visitors, an increase of 221.1% compared to the same period last year. The entire 2024 total stood at 232,300 Russian tourists.

Phan Dang Anh, deputy general director of Anex Vietnam, attributes this rapid growth to several key factors. He says Vietnam is among the few Asian destinations to resume charter flights to Russia promptly, making travel more convenient. In addition, the country’s visa-friendly policies, safe environment, and year-round beach weather make it an attractive alternative to previously popular destinations.

Post-pandemic travel trends among Russian tourists show a preference for destinations offering safety, warm climates, affordable packages, and direct flights. Travelers typically opt for 7- to 12-day trips, focused on relaxation, cultural experiences, and convenience.

Russian tourists are also willing to spend on high-quality services, with strong interest in hotels, resorts, cuisine, spa treatments, entertainment, and local shopping. Vietnam, in their eyes, offers the perfect all-inclusive package - accessibility, affordability, family-friendly travel, and warm hospitality.

Vietnam’s growing visibility in the Russian market, through tourism expos, media partnerships, and promotional campaigns, is further fueling interest. Anex Vietnam, a major tour operator, has played a key role in these efforts, Anh says.

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s tourism industry plans to expand direct air routes throughout 2025 and 2026. In addition to the current nine Russian cities connected to Vietnam, new routes from Kazan, Ufa, and others are expected.

Experts forecast Vietnam could attract around 430,000 Russian visitors by the end of 2025, nearly doubling the previous year’s total. Anex Vietnam alone aims to bring at least 150,000 Russian tourists this year.

To support this growth, the company is collaborating with local destinations such as Khanh Hoa and Da Nang to diversify offerings, including luxury resorts and cultural tours. Promotion efforts continue with familiarisation trips, B2B seminars, and targeted marketing campaigns in Russia.

Vietnam ranks among top five destinations for Russian tourists

VOV.VN - Vietnam has been named one of the five most popular international destinations for Russian tourists, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).