Belarus leads surge in Russians’ overseas holiday travel for late winter breaks

Belarus has emerged as one of the most sought-after foreign destinations for Russian travellers planning trips during the February and March holiday periods, as stated by BelTA, a partner of TV BRICS. Analytical insights show that demand for travel over the festive dates has risen by 42 per cent year-on-year. 

International routes account for a quarter of all bookings made for the holiday windows from 20 to 23 February and from 6 to 9 March. Travellers are demonstrating particular interest in nearby countries, with Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan standing out as preferred choices. Demand for these destinations has grown by 89 per cent year-on-year, reflecting the appeal of cultural proximity, convenient transport links, and diverse tourism offerings.

Beach resorts have also recorded strong momentum. Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Indonesia and Egypt collectively posted a 78 per cent increase in bookings, highlighting sustained enthusiasm for warm-weather leisure during the late winter season.

Excursion-focused travel is gaining traction as well. China reported a 66 per cent rise in interest, underscoring a broader shift towards cultural and sightseeing experiences.

Overall, the ten most popular destinations among Russian tourists for the festive period include Belarus, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, China, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. At the same time, domestic tourism continues to expand, with more travellers choosing to explore destinations within Russia alongside their international trips.

Photo: Lindrik / iStock