The expert explained the drop in demand for tourist services

The decline in demand for travel services in early 2026 is due to rising costs, flight uncertainty, and changing consumer behavior. Inna Ryndina, Commercial Director of the Russian Seasons Hotel group, told Izvestia on April 7.

According to the expert, the market is influenced by a combination of economic and psychological factors, including an increase in the tax burden and daily expenses, as well as a general level of anxiety against the background of the geopolitical situation.

"The emotional background exerts additional pressure — the unstable geopolitical situation and the stress associated with it," she said.

The expert stressed that it is the risks of postponing flights for several days that directly affect the decision to travel.

In addition, Ryndina added that the summer season is likely not to be disrupted, but there will be a redistribution of demand towards destinations with more understandable logistics.

Flight network: Russia aims to expand the geography of direct flights to Asian countries

What is preventing the increase in passenger traffic in these directions now

On April 6, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reported that more than 367,000 Russians visited Vietnam in the first quarter of 2026. It was also noted that, according to the National Tourism Administration of Vietnam, Russia ranks first in terms of the number of arrivals among all European countries.

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