According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), the number of Russian holidaymakers visiting Vietnam has been increased by 13.5 percent to 108,750 in the first quarter of 2016, Vietnam welcomed about 2.46 million foreign tourists during the same period, a year-by-year increase of more than 19.9 percent. Russia is one of the top seven markets who send its citizen for a holiday purpose to Vietnam, following other European countries in the number of visitors to Vietnam, followed by the United Kingdom (68,000) and France (67,500). Russian tour operators have seen increasing demand for tours to India, Thailand and Vietnam following restrictions on travel to Turkey and or Egypt.

“Vietnam is a shinning destination to Russians travel makers thanks to its beautiful landscape, charming and tropical beaches and the stable status in society and politics. The Vietnam visa exemption is allowing Russians to stay in Vietnam in 15 days which also encourages more and more tourists to Vietnam, shared Pham Ha, CEO of LuxuryTravelVietnam, LTD

Understanding the development of the Russian market recently, some Vietnam tour operators trend to expand their market in Russia. Luxury Travel as ab award-winning DMC in Vietnam (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) also plan to prepare their strategies for achieving this fast growing market in the near future. “We have our own experts who can communicate in Russian language. The Russian version of Luxury Travel website is also launched soon with updating the new products which will meet the need of Russian tourists”, Said DOSM Phan Trong Thang.

In addition, opening a representative offices in Russia helps promote different destination in Indochina to Russian travelers visiting the region.

“Now Russian tourists, especially young travelers, don’t love beaches alone, they also show interest on trekking and discover the local culture,” Said, Vu The Binh, deputy head of Vietnam Tourism Association.

It seems that the trend of Russian tourists today is very different compare to the same period back to 5 to 7 years ago. They have ever known other destinations such as: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh instead of staying at beaches such as: Mui ne and or Nha Trang.
Russians also know how to enjoy other authentic experiences at destinations on their own ways that’s why some Vietnam tour operators target Russian with customized packages to make the trip based on travelers wishes.

“We have worked with Russian businesses and discussed the solution to promote tourism. In the future, we will suggest new tours to Vietnam to the Russians.” Mr. Binh also added
In fact, our government is striving to develop the Russian market by real promoting activities in both Russia and Vietnam such as: Road show in Moscow, VITM travel fair in Hanoi and many more to smooth the business to the travel companies to achieve the target of this potential market.
About 130,000 Russian people holiday in Vietnam by 2015. Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa province), Phu Quoc (Kien Giang province) and Mui Ne (Binh Thuan province) are among popular destinations for Russians. The country hopes to welcome at least 400,000 Russian visitors this year and about one million by 2020.