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Russia witnesses prosperity in African tourism
(MENAFN) Tourism from African countries to Russia has surged by nearly 60% over the past two years, driven by expanding business ties, educational exchanges, and improved flight connectivity, according to Yulia Maksutova, deputy director general of the Center for Strategic Research (CSR).
Speaking to Izvestia on Friday, Maksutova highlighted increasing air travel options between Russia and Africa, with direct flights to Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, the Seychelles, and Ethiopia. Currently, 143 flights depart from Russia to these destinations each week, with 128 of them heading to Egypt. Return flights follow a similar pattern.
Visa-free travel agreements have also played a role in boosting tourism. Citizens of Botswana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Namibia, Tunisia, South Africa, and the Seychelles can enter Russia without a visa. Despite this growth, the total number of African visitors to Russia remains relatively low, with approximately 37,000 trips recorded annually—less than 1% of Russia’s overall inbound tourism.
Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), noted that most African visitors travel to Russia for business, work, study, or personal reasons, but with coordinated efforts from both governments and businesses, traditional tourism could expand significantly.
Russia has recently made travel easier for African nations by expanding its e-visa program to Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe, adding to a total of 64 eligible countries. Meanwhile, Russian tourists are enjoying increased access to African destinations, with visa-free entry to Tunisia and Morocco, and extended stays permitted in Angola, Mozambique, and Malawi.
According to Anatoly Bashkin, director of the Africa Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Africa remains an increasingly popular destination for Russian travelers despite high costs. He attributes this to the continent’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique blend of modern and traditional lifestyles.
Speaking to Izvestia on Friday, Maksutova highlighted increasing air travel options between Russia and Africa, with direct flights to Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, the Seychelles, and Ethiopia. Currently, 143 flights depart from Russia to these destinations each week, with 128 of them heading to Egypt. Return flights follow a similar pattern.
Visa-free travel agreements have also played a role in boosting tourism. Citizens of Botswana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Namibia, Tunisia, South Africa, and the Seychelles can enter Russia without a visa. Despite this growth, the total number of African visitors to Russia remains relatively low, with approximately 37,000 trips recorded annually—less than 1% of Russia’s overall inbound tourism.
Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), noted that most African visitors travel to Russia for business, work, study, or personal reasons, but with coordinated efforts from both governments and businesses, traditional tourism could expand significantly.
Russia has recently made travel easier for African nations by expanding its e-visa program to Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe, adding to a total of 64 eligible countries. Meanwhile, Russian tourists are enjoying increased access to African destinations, with visa-free entry to Tunisia and Morocco, and extended stays permitted in Angola, Mozambique, and Malawi.
According to Anatoly Bashkin, director of the Africa Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Africa remains an increasingly popular destination for Russian travelers despite high costs. He attributes this to the continent’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique blend of modern and traditional lifestyles.
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