Russian Tourist Travel Shifts from UAE to China, Vietnam, Egypt, and Turkey in 2026
A notable shift in Russian tourist travel patterns occurred between January and September 2026. According to a representative from the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), based on data from the FSB border service and foreign statistics, a decline in tourist flow to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was observed. This decrease was offset by a corresponding increase in Russian trips to other destinations, specifically China, Vietnam, Egypt, and Turkey. The data from the FSB border service specifically accounts for entries made for tourist purposes, providing a clear indication of changing preferences among Russian travelers. This trend suggests a re-evaluation of popular travel destinations by Russian tourists, moving away from the UAE towards a more diverse set of countries in Asia and Africa.