Now's the best time to start promoting your New Year's packages — millions of Russian travelers are already planning their winter holidays. Thailand alone welcomed 921,000 Russian visitors in early 2024 — up 16.3% from last year, with Oman and Qatar also on their getaway radar. Let's look into some travel patterns and discuss the best ways to reach Russian-speaking travelers.
For years, Egypt and Türkiye ruled winter travel, but that's changing. Russians now seek more exotic destinations for their legendary winter break — up to 10 days off work to trade freezing temperatures for warm new experiences. Countries like Sri Lanka, Qatar, and Oman each saw 50-70 thousand Russian tourists in 2023, while the Maldives’ and Thailand's numbers are skyrocketing. Here's your chance to promote your hotel during these winter waves.
Reason 1. January has the longest holidays
Russians enjoy their holidays like nobody’s business. Typically, the annual winter holidays in Russia last from January 1 to 8. But in 2025, they have three more days off, as the festive season kicks off on December 29. And many will be adding another long weekend to stay in vacation mode up until mid-January (because why not?).
For many, this is a chance to enjoy quality time with family and friends, especially since schools are on winter break. And with so much time on their hands, people tend to pack their suitcases for a family getaway.
The best time to promote winter packages is from late October till mid-December. Some travelers wait until the last minute to buy “hot” vacation package deals for less.
Pro tips:
- Promote New Year gift packages.
- Create discounted offers for last-minute bookings.
- Offer special perks for gift certificate holders.
Reason 2. Escape from the cold and winter gloom
During winter, temperatures in most parts of Russia stay way below zero. The skies are dark and gloomy; there’s barely any sunlight. Even on sunnier days, you still don’t get enough vitamin D, which is essential for keeping your bones, muscles, and immune system healthy.
No wonder Russians are seeking warmer destinations: it’s not just a matter of comfort and relaxation — it’s about well-being, too.
Reason 3. Travel made simple
Direct flights and relaxed visa requirements are major drivers for Russian tourists. In most Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries, Russian passport holders enjoy up to 60 visa-free days. At the same time, many local and international air companies open winter routes to resort cities.
It takes 6.5 hours to get from the Siberian city of Irkutsk to Phuket — the same amount as a direct flight to Moscow. For the same price, wouldn’t it be nicer to be strolling along the beaches of Phuket rather than layering up like a Russian doll just to step outside?
Pro-tip: Partner with charter airlines to learn more about their flight schedules from Russia, and build your packages around them.
Reason 4. There’s no better gift than travel
Russian national New Year holidays fall on the week when hotels and resorts offer affordable accommodation. Just after the European Christmas and right before the Chinese New Year, the beginning of January is a great time for Russian tourists to travel, and for hospitality businesses to fill up their rooms.
According to recent SuperJob research surveying 1,600 working Russians, one in five wants a travel package as their New Year gift. Help them make that wish come true!
Pro-tip: Target luxury travel segments, as there will be a great portion of tourists seeking luxury amenities and stays.
Reason 5. Winter activities not found elsewhere
But it’s not just sandy beaches that Russian tourists crave. Here are four more options that drive Russian travelers.
Local cuisine
From fresh seafood in the Maldives to spicy curries in Thailand, these exotic dishes provide a delicious way to experience local culture, making the holiday more memorable and adding extra value to their travel experience.
Attractive shopping
61% of Russians miss their favorite brands, like Zara and H&M. For them, traveling to other countries is like having a field day — they get a chance to buy clothes and things that are not available back home.
Outdoor activities and sightseeing
Russians love cultural expereinces outdoors. Many travelers seek sightseeing package tours, so having a national park or museums near your hotel will be a great selling point when advertising to a Russian-speaking market.
Wellness and spa
Russians love spa getaways — with 144,000 monthly searches, “Thai massage” is clearly a favorite. Since spa treatments cost way less than back home, many travelers enjoy spa packages while on vacation.
Pro tip: Russian travelers often book spa treatments for their whole stay. Create packages that combine room rates with daily massages — it's a compelling offer when they see how much they save compared to prices back home.
So you've got your perfect offering — from beaches to shopping. Now, how do you get it in front of Russian travelers? Getting your hotel noticed is simpler than you might think.
How to reach Russian travelers
The winter holiday season brings a surge in travel planning across Russia. Yango Ads Campaigns can help display your property when potential guests are actively planning their trips. Plan and set up your ad campaign in advance, enjoy more than 600 targeting and retargeting options, and appear on travel-related sources across Yango Ads’ network of over 70,000 partner websites and apps.
Yango Ads Campaigns will help you connect with potential guests throughout their entire journey — from the first search to the final booking.
Pro-tip: Target audiences that have already shown interest in traveling to your country by setting up the demographics and interests.
