Local tourism spikes as travel bans bite in Russia

TOURISM NEWS - In the town of Suzdal, a few hours’ drive from their home city near Moscow, Natalia posed in front of a traditional domed Orthodox church while her husband snapped holiday photos.

“Lots of people go to Europe. But these are very difficult times,” the 58-year-old tourist said, snacking on a cucumber grown locally.

Like millions of Russians, Natalia and Igor spent their summer break at home this year, as Western sanctions and travel restrictions shut the country off from most European tourism destinations.

“We kept saying that when we were retired, we’d go round Russia,” said Natalia, who travelled from the city of Elektrostal about 150km away.

“Well, let’s just say that it was about that time,” she added.

Russian travels

Since the Kremlin’s full-scale offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, Russians have been barred from travelling to more than half a dozen European countries for tourism purposes.

With direct flights to the European Union banned and most Russian-issued credit cards no longer working in the bloc, many have opted to take a break closer to home.

“Russians, our compatriots, are now travelling more around the country, including to Suzdal,” director of the Suzdal Tour travel agency, Alexander Kiselev, said.

“This probably has to do with some of the difficulties regarding trips outside the country,” he added.

The number of Russians venturing abroad fell by 44% between 2019 and 2023, according to data from market analysis firm Statista, with travel also taking a hit from the pandemic.

Trips made by Russians within the country meanwhile hit a record 78 million in 2023, up a fifth compared to the year before, according to industry figures.

Home to a myriad mediaeval buildings and monasteries, some dating back to the 14th century, Suzdal is one of many Russian towns benefiting from this domestic tourism boom.

The town is famous for its cucumbers, which are used to make jams, lemonades and even ice creams.

“The nature is extraordinary. This river is wonderful,” said Natalia, standing on the banks of the Kamenka that flows through the town.

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