Russian travelers have shown a significant interest in sub-Saharan African countries lately, according to the most recent data from the country’s largest tourism alliance.
The Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) reported that Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa are the top choices for Russian travelers seeking a blend of sightseeing and beach relaxation. These countries are attracting visitors from Russian Federation with their extensive nature reserves.
Due to visa restrictions, inability to afford high travel costs and reduced flight options, numerous Russians are finding it difficult to visit Western countries. As a result, there has been an increasing interest in traveling to certain regions of Africa. Russian tour operators report a 33% surge in the popularity of Tanzania since 2022, while South Africa has experienced a 25% rise in popularity.
Russian nationals have visa-free access to South Africa, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Tanzania , and can currently enter Kenya with an electronic visa (eVisa) for $50, which will later be replaced by an Electronic Entry Authorization (eTA) costing $30.
In August, Russian tour operators reported that African countries contribute to 3.3% of all international aviation orders. The continent has experienced a significant growth of 37.5% in popularity compared to the same period last year.
Tourism holding PAC Group has said Russian tourists’ preferences when vacationing in Africa have not changed. “The main wishes are the same as before the pandemic. These are national parks, animals, safaris, nature,” the company stated.
Russian tourists’ preferences for vacationing in Africa remain unchanged, according to tourism firms. The primary desires of Russian tourists, which include national parks, wildlife, safaris, and nature, have remained consistent even during the pandemic.
Russian operators are currently also offering safaris and combined tours to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Uganda and Botswana.
Russian tour companies are also presently advertising safaris and ‘combination tours’ to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Uganda, and Botswana.
According to the Association of Russian Tour Operators, Russian Africa travel trends review did not encompass Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco due to their location in North Africa, which ATOR categorizes as part of MENA (Middle East North Africa). According to ATOR’s terminology, the term ‘Africa’ refers to countries located south of the Sahara.
As for North Africa, RIA Novosti news agency reported in August that Egypt was receiving up to 1.5 million Russian tourists annually, with Tunisia in second place.
According to the Russian MENA travel trends report released in August, Egypt was attracting approximately 1.5 million tourists from Russia every year, making it the top destination in North Africa, followed by Tunisia.
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