Foreign tourism to Russia is at record level

9,6 million foreign tourists from 187 countries have visited Russia in 2019, that became all-time record: our country has never been so open and caught such interest of foreign travelers. Over a ten-year period, compared to 2010, inbound tourist flow has 1,5 increased. This amount does not contained residents from the former Soviet states, for those Russia remains a place of kinship or seasonal works.

Chinese tourist groups have formed in 2019 quarter of all tourist flow: amount of travelers from the PRC was 2,3 million people, that is on 11,2% bigger than in 2018 and 3 times higher than in 2010.

Second and third places with significant distance take tourists from Finland – 939 thousand and Germany - 744 thousand people correspondingly (s. picture 1).

Apart from China, amount of tourists from the Republic of Korea has significantly increased: 5 times growth of the indicator stated, compared to 2010, up to 454 thousand people in 2019.

Since January 1, 2021 for visiting all territory of Russia foreign tourists will receive single entry e-visa filled out via Internet. There is no need to have invitations, hotel reservations or any other documents confirming purpose of travel to the RF for receiving such visa. Similar order is already active for residents of 53 states (including EU countries) in Saint Petersburg, Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions, and regions of the Far Eastern Federal District. Such measures should encourage those who did not want to go through difficult process of receipt of the Russian visa in embassy or consul residence.

Unfortunately, there is a possibility that current year will be less favorable for incoming tourism. Outbreak of coronaviral infection in china has led to suspension of charter traffic with the Celestial Empire, and since February 20, Russia closes borders for all residents of the PRC, that leads to termination of tourist flow.

Picture 1. TOP-10 countries in terms of amount of foreign tourists to Russia in 2019, thousands of people (except for former Soviet states)

Picture 1. TOP-10 countries in terms of amount of foreign tourists to Russia in 2019, thousands of people (except for former Soviet states)

Plenty of companies represent market of the incoming tourism of Russia. Currently, 3 199 firms have qualifying license, the industry is not monopolized. Users of Globas have access to the «Сompany's position in the industry», with the help of that instrument share of every contractor at the market can be defined (s. table 1).

Tourist industry serves as an indicator of economic well-being. Slowdown in global economic growth, uncertainties related to coronavirus, and geopolitical and business tension can stimulate investors and travelers to take a wait-and-see approach. Nevertheless, according to current trends, growth of tourist flow to Russia will be increased.