Uzbekistan ranks among Top-3 autumn travel picks for Russians

Russian travelers, renowned for their penchant for tours, are witnessing shifting travel trends as autumn approaches, especially during September and October, when travel costs usually decrease along with the intensity of summer heat.

According to kommersant, this summer, Russian tourists are showing declining interest in Turkey, with its share of total tour sales for September and October dropping to 56%, as reported by Travelata.ru. This figure marks a notable decrease from the previous year's 8% point higher statistic.

Factors beyond cost, such as negative information backgrounds and uncertainties related to the May presidential elections, geopolitical debates, forest fires, and high summer temperatures, have played a role in the changing travel choices.

Focus on Uzbekistan:
One standout in the evolving travel landscape is Uzbekistan. The country's appeal has surged, drawing more Russian tourists. Last year, it accounted for a mere 2.39% of sales, but this year, it has remarkably risen to 6.29%. The average round-trip flight cost to Uzbekistan, which is around RUB 32,900 ($351), remains similar to the rates from the previous year.  This upswing in interest can also be witnessed in trips to Thailand, where flight costs have increased by 9%, averaging RUB 62,700($670) compared to 2022 year.

Neighbor Countries' Impact:
Uzbekistan's newfound allure parallels the growing interest in neighboring Central Asian countries. For comparison, a flight to the most affordable country for russians— Kyrgyzstan has risen in price by 41%, to RUB 23.8 ($256).

According to Yandex Travel, Armenia accounted for the largest share of bookings for autumn after Turkey — 9.4%, Uzbekistan took third place — 7.99%. This is followed by Azerbaijan (6.3%), Kazakhstan (5.6%), Israel and Thailand (4.6%).

Cost Dynamics and Domestic Alternatives:
Amid these changes, the average one-way international flight cost during September and October hovers around RUB 23,500 per person($251). This growth can be attributed to various factors, including ruble depreciation and expanded carrier options. On the domestic front, travelers can explore cost-effective options, as the average one-way flight within Russia costs around RUB 8,960 per person($95)

With autumn approaching and traditional preferences shifting, Russian travelers are exploring alternative destinations. As the appeal of Turkey diminishes, Uzbekistan, along with its Central Asian neighbors, is emerging as an appealing choice. These regions offer unique experiences and stable pricing, presenting a fresh set of options for Russian tourists to consider.