The information provided here contains facts taken from reputable sources or findings of numerous studies as well as acquired though the research conducted by the University of Plovdiv project team. The aim was to outline the most common traits seen in behavior of Russian tourists abroad in the background of research on Russian mentality and socio-historical circumstances.

Just as the polar points of the Russian mentality outlined in studies, there are polar attitudes and beliefs about Russian tourists. From being the worst tourists – from pushing into queues in bars and shops to be served first, eating “almost everything” at all-inclusive dinners and taking the rest as doggie bags, flashing their money around, ordering hotel staff to be at their call (Dorsi 2009) to being considered world’s best hotel guests (Carrington & Tomkins 2014).

As in any such study it has to be remembered that while based on facts and representative data, these traits are general and don’t exclude individual differences. This awareness is needed in order to avoid rigid stereotyping and it’s a must for staff working in hospitality.

In the context of Hospitality and Tourism, as well as any business with Russian nationals, this compiled data and findings could assist managers and employees in being prepared in advance for interaction with people from Russian cultural background, not jumping into quick conclusions (such as that visitors are necessarily rude because they act differently), and even in understanding the reasons for their behavior that at moments might look strange to a person from another culture. This would help the staff better handle difficult situations.

It’s also worth mentioning that at the time of preparing this material it’s been over a year since the beginning of Russia – Ukraine conflict.

All in all, in the background of high competitiveness and struggle to win every tourist, it’s a good idea to consider what can be implemented in the every-day practice of the certain establishment in order to meet the desires and needs of Russian tourists as long as it doesn’t break the widely accepted general ethical rules. Such efforts will most likely pay off. As one expert in the field concludes, “Satisfied Russian guests are very generous.” (Sizova 2019: 21)