The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has noted a significant rise in the number of Russians visiting Vietnam, extending beyond just the fall and winter months to include trips during May holidays and summer breaks.
Head of ATOR Maya Lomidze cited multiple reasons for the increase, such as accumulated demand from previous years, the reinstatement of direct flight options, and the enhancement of the ruble’s strength.
She mentioned that Vietnam is expected to rank within the top 10 summer travel spots, possibly even breaking into the top five.
Direct flights between Russia and Vietnam have been restarted following an extended pause caused by the Covid pandemic.
Aeroflot from Russia initiated direct services to Nha Trang on March 22, whereas Vietnam Airlines intends to commence regular flights connecting Moscow and Hanoi beginning in May.
Moreover, Russian companies Azur Air and Pegas Touristik are increasing their charter flight operations.
The Russian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Timur Sadykov, has shown confidence that the reinstated flight connections will not just restore but also exceed pre-pandemic tourist numbers, thereby enhancing mutual ties even more.
As reported by the travel website Travelata.ru, interest in group tours to Vietnam rose by 5% in March compared to February and saw an increase of 9% in February relative to January.
According to data provided by Sletat.ru, tour sales between February 1 and March 18 increased threefold compared to the previous year.
In March, Level.Travel saw their tour sales quadruple, with Vietnam becoming the quickest-expanding destination, outpacing Thailand, Indonesia, and neighboring nations.
Yandex Travel saw a 49% rise in airline ticket purchases for trips to Vietnam compared to the previous year, with tickets costing an average of 81,000 RUB (more than $950).
In the meantime, the hotel reservation platform Ostrovok reported a 25% increase in bookings in Vietnam starting from early March, accompanied by an 18% surge in the average daily rate to approximately 5,100 RUB.