RUSSIA-CHINA VISA-FREE TRAVEL: TOURIST INFLUX STARTED
The unilateral visa-free regime between Russia and China, which came into effect on September 15, was quickly reflected in tourism statistics. Russian citizens can now travel to China visa-free for up to 30 days.
Yandex Travel data reveals a 2.8-fold increase in interest for China for the New Year holidays in just two weeks following the visa-free implementation. In flight reservations departing from Moscow, China rose from seventh to third place in the ranking of popular destinations.
According to data reported by TürkRus, Thailand maintains its lead in Russians' overseas holiday preferences, accounting for 14% of total reservations. This is followed by Belarus with 12% and China with 9%.
Krasnodar at the Top in Domestic Tourism
Within Russia, the Krasnodar region became the most preferred destination with a 19% share. St. Petersburg and Leningrad ranked second with 13%, and the Moscow region was third with 10%.
Chinese Tourists Prepare to Come to Russia
Experts predict that travel from China to Russia will also accelerate with the commencement of the reciprocal visa-free regime. Since early September, Chinese search queries for travel to Russia have increased by 30%. Authorities announced that visas for Chinese citizens will also be lifted soon.
These developments are expected to boost tourism and economic activity between the two countries, while also taking cultural exchange to a new dimension.
