December & January (New Year and the Russian Christmas shortly thereafter), as well as July and August are the main months for Russians to travel abroad.

Various studies have delved into the travel habits of the Russian visitors in order to find out how they differ from other nationalities and what they expect from overseas holidays. Knowing this is key to continuously attracting and retaining more Russian tourists. The most relevant features are as follows (Mitt 2018a):

• Russian tourists abroad spend more than other tourists

(more details about comparison between Russian and European tourists could be found here: Mitt 2018b)

Shopping, specifically in the luxury segment, is a vital part of Russians’ holiday. While they use ATMs less often than European travellers, the amounts are larger. The limited access to their accounts abroad nowadays has less impact on their shopping habbits than it would have on other Europeans in such situation as Russians often pay cash, even larger amounts.

• Russian tourists have high expectations for customer service

Excellent service is important to them, and for that they are ready to pay the necessary price.

• Russian language services

Unlike tourists from many European countries, a sizeable percentage of Russian tourists don’t speak fluent English. According to recent ROMIR (Center for Russian Public Opinion and Market Research) stats, about 30% of Russians use some English (AFF 2022), but the level is quite low. This means they require services in Russian such as audio guides, signs, menus, wait staff, instructors, etc., to make them feel at ease. Studies have confirmed that Russians greatly appreciate any attempt by foreigners to speak their language (eDiplomat 2016). Also they are pleased if information on the hotel and the local area is available in Russian, e.g. brochures, leaflets, etc., and if Russian TV channels are provided in the hotel rooms.

• Extended times for winter holidays

Russian tourists take more ski holidays outside traditional holiday times. In addition to that, Russian winter holidays occur at different times compared to European holidays. In many hotels this is the cause for longer keeping hotel occupancy rates high.

• Longer period of stay

Average length of stay of Russian tourists for a foreign holiday is 10 nights – 2 nights longer than the global average.