Turkey: The Top Autumn Destination for Russians, Undeterred by Protests

How holiday prices have changed in various countries, according to RST

The velvet season has begun – an ideal time for a holiday, when resorts are less crowded, accommodation prices are more moderate, and the sun is not as scorching. Turkey traditionally remains the most popular foreign destination for Russians in autumn, as many avoid it in summer due to the intense heat. Even recent protests in the country have not affected tourists` choices. Let`s explore the current situation with holidays in Turkey and where else Russians are heading this autumn.

Although Moscow is experiencing an «Indian summer,» many prefer to extend it by traveling to warmer places both domestically and abroad.

Growing Demand and Reasons for Popularity

Booking volumes for the 2025 velvet season (September to late October) significantly exceed last year`s figures. Experts from the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) link this growth to a favorable ruble exchange rate and concerns about its potential change. Furthermore, the popularity of autumn travel is boosted by reduced airfare and hotel prices compared to the peak summer season, as well as more comfortable weather at popular resorts.

Istanbul Protests: How They Affect Tourism

However, recently, on the night of September 7-8, unsettling news emerged from Istanbul: the opposition organized mass protests against President Erdogan`s policies, leading to clashes with police. Local media also reported restrictions on access to social networks and popular messengers in Istanbul.

Despite these disturbances, tour operators have not recorded any cancellations, tour refunds, or a decrease in demand for Turkey. Artur Abdyukhanov, head of RST`s press service, confirmed that Turkey continues to lead among countries chosen by Russians for holidays, attracting approximately 6 million compatriots annually, including independent travelers, organized groups, and business trips.

Commenting on the protests, Abdyukhanov noted that they do not affect holidays, and while local access restrictions might be introduced in some city areas, there are no widespread bans at present.

Nevertheless, in Turkish online communities, some Russians expressed concerns about upcoming trips to Istanbul. However, tourists already in the city reassured them, stating: «I see no problems for tourists. Everything is calm, everyone is walking around,» and «Rallies are present. Tourists are calmly walking, all is okay. Everything will normalize in a few days.» Although one Russian tourist, Ekaterina, reported on September 8: «Many OMON vehicles, and social networks were blocked yesterday evening.»

It`s worth noting that the author of this article was personally in Istanbul during protests in March related to the mayor`s arrest but experienced no inconvenience. Demonstrations took place at night, far from hotels, and did not bother tourists, in whom Turkey is deeply interested.

The majority of tourists still choose the Turkish coast, where the situation remains calm.

Tourism expert Vladimir Khotko, residing in Alanya, emphasized that the current protests in Istanbul are not widespread and have not affected the city as a whole. In Antalya, Alanya, and other resort towns, there is little awareness of them. According to him, it`s currently +30 degrees Celsius in Antalya, beaches are full of tourists, and all reports of social media blockages are unfounded. He added that a greater public outcry was caused by an incident in Izmir where a teenager shot two police officers.

Alternative Destinations and Price Changes

However, beyond Turkey, Russians are considering other destinations for their autumn holidays. According to Sletat.ru data, the top 10 foreign destinations for 2025 include:

• Turkey (42.1% of total sales)
• Egypt (15.8%)
• Russia (11.3%)
• UAE (7.8%)
• Abkhazia (5%)
• Thailand (4.7%)
• Vietnam (3.2%)
• China (2.6%)
• Maldives (1.8%)
• Tunisia (1.2%)

Demand for tours during the 2025 velvet season (early September to mid-October) is 10% higher than in the previous year.

Comparing with autumn trips in 2024, the top destinations were: Turkey (40.7%), Russia (22.8%), Egypt (11.7%), Abkhazia (5.8%), UAE (5.7%), Thailand (5.3%), China (2.1%), Maldives (1.3%), Cuba (0.9%), and Sri Lanka (0.5%). This year, Egypt overtook Russia for second place. Thailand and Abkhazia saw a slight decrease, while China and the Maldives grew in popularity among Russian travelers.

According to RST, the average check for tours in the top five leading countries changed as follows compared to the previous year:

• Turkey: increased by 0.5% (to 202,300 rubles)
• Egypt: decreased by 3% (to 182,450 rubles)
• Russia: decreased by 0.7% (to 96,450 rubles)
• UAE: increased by 2.2% (to 181,400 rubles)
• Abkhazia: increased by 3.3% (to 99,000 rubles)

Thus, despite a slight increase in holiday prices, Turkey remains the undisputed leader among vacation destinations for Russians.

Our compatriots also actively travel within their home country. The top 5 domestic destinations for the 2025 velvet season, according to RST:

• Krasnodar Krai (39.9% — share of total Russian bookings)
• Crimea (10%)
• Caucasian Mineral Waters (9.5%)
• Kaliningrad Oblast and St. Petersburg (6.8% each)
• Republic of Dagestan (5.6%)

Data and statistics provided by the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) and Sletat.ru service.