People share their planned expenditures for the upcoming May holidays, revealing their budgets.
Rewritten Article:
Russians are gearing up to dish out an average of 23,000 rubles on their May holidays this year, marking a thousand-ruble increase over last year's spending. Many are opting for countryside getaways, visits to their dachas, or cultural activities, as per RT and a relevant study.
Worth noting, the number of senior citizens aged 60 and above venturing out for May holidays has risen this year, as reported by "Izvestia," referencing analysts from the Russian Union of Tour Operators. Moscow (33%), St. Petersburg (16.4%), Yekaterinburg (9.8%), Kazan (3.2%), and Sochi (2.5%) are the top 5 most sought-after cities among the elderly in May.
In terms of domestic travel in May, 14% of Russians plan to stay within the nation, while 11% prefer hotel stays outside the city, and a modest 4% are eyeing trips abroad.
About 60% of holiday spenders intend to hold onto 20,000 rubles or less, with 15% aiming for a mid-range budget of between 20,000 and 50,000 rubles. A lesser 10% anticipate having a budget surpassing that.
As of now, 61% of Russians already have plans for May. For instance, 30% plan to take some time off or make use of their vacation days during the break between the two holiday periods. A whopping 88% of respondents are excited to escape the city, heading to their dachas. On the other hand, 37% wish to stay put in the city.
A curious blend of outdoor activities and city entertainment has caught the fancy of some Russians during the holidays. For example, 12% plan to attend concerts, museums, or exhibitions, while 21% prefer to relax at home and binge-watch their favorite TV series. Almost 80% plan to reunite with their families, and 29% seek to hang out with friends.
The study by Avito analysts is based on a survey of 10,000 Russians.
On a related note, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia has disclosed that certain tour operators have had to turn away specific groups of foreign tourists due to a scarcity of hotel rooms in St. Petersburg. Notably, the opening of the fountains in Peterhof and the commencement of navigation in St. Petersburg are particularly alluring to tourists from Asia and the Middle East.
Previously, the Federation Council mistakenly announced the postponement of pension and benefit payments due to the May holidays.
Enrichment Data:
- Overall: The May holiday spending patterns and tourism landscape in Russia in 2025 demonstrate a concentration on domestic or local vacations, an increase in rural and outdoor activities among travelers, and certain difficulties faced by tour operators, notably in St. Petersburg.
- Increase in May Holiday Spending by Russians: More Russians are deciding to stay at home during the May holidays, preferring local or no travel (51%). The interest in rural and outdoor experiences close to home is apparent, with 17% opting for cottages or villages, and 7% seeking relaxation in nature.
- Popular Destinations Among Elderly Travelers: Major Russian cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg rank high on travelers aged 60 and above, along with resort locations like Sochi, Kaliningrad, and Stavropol. The Government's focus on promoting social programs and cultural access underpins the popularity of urban cultural hubs among elderly travelers. The State's Action Strategy in the Interests of Senior Citizens through 2030 aims to boost elderly citizens' quality of life and indirectly encourages seniors to engage in travel and cultural activities.
- Tour Operator Challenges in St. Petersburg: Although specific details about tour operator obstacles in St. Petersburg are scarce, broader context suggests potential hurdles:
- Limited demand for diverse or costly tours due to the majority of Russians favoring familiar destinations or staying at home.
- Low international travel, as foreign tourists may also be restrained, impacting international tour business.
- Tour operators must comply with increased regulation and adapt to shifting visitor demographics, which includes elderly tourists and families, necessitating additional resources and training.
- Economic factors and infrastructure issues in certain regions, as well as the need to establish new logistical corridors and partnerships, could challenge tour operators' operational environment.
- The elderly population in Russia is spending an average of 23,000 rubles for the May holidays, with a significant increase compared to last year's spending. Moscow is among the top 5 most sought-after cities for this age group in May.
- Despite the rise in senior travelers, a majority of Russians (51%) are opting for no travel or local vacations during the May holidays, with 17% preferring rural or nature-based experiences.
- In terms of finance, 60% of holiday spenders in Russia are aiming to hold onto 20,000 rubles or less, while 15% are targeting a mid-range budget between 20,000 and 50,000 rubles.
- Some Russians are planning to integrate outdoor activities with city entertainment during the holidays, with 12% intending to attend concerts, museums, or exhibitions, and 21% preferring to relax at home and binge-watch their favorite TV series.
