Russia Rapidly Emerges as an Alternative Travel Destination
From Winter Landscapes to Aurora Viewing
As Chinese tourists continue to cancel trips to Japan due to ongoing diplomatic tensions, Russia is rapidly emerging as a popular alternative travel destination.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on November 28, China Trading Desk, a Chinese travel marketing company, reported that hotel bookings in Russia for December have increased by more than 50% compared to the previous year over the past two weeks. The company explained that a growing number of Chinese tourists are quickly shifting their travel plans from Hokkaido, Japan to destinations with similar climates such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Fliggy, a Chinese travel platform under Alibaba, also announced that bookings for flights to Russia over the past two months have nearly doubled compared to the same period last year. The popularity of Russia is attributed to its natural scenery, cultural attractions, and affordable costs. In particular, the blue ice of Lake Baikal and the opportunity to view the aurora are highlighted as major draws for winter travelers.
This shift has been heavily influenced by diplomatic tensions between China and Japan. After Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait in the event of a contingency, the Chinese government advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan. As a result, hundreds of thousands of flight bookings were canceled, and Chinese airlines suspended 12 routes to Japan. On November 15, Hong Kong authorities also urged citizens planning to travel to Japan or currently staying there to exercise increased caution.
Instead, there has been a sharp increase in the number of Chinese tourists heading to eastern Russian regions such as Vladivostok. From October to November, 67,000 passengers flew to Vladivostok, marking a 37% increase compared to the previous year, and the number of weekly flights between China and Russia has also risen. The Russian government's announcement of a visa waiver for Chinese nationals has further boosted this trend. SCMP analyzed that, in addition to Russia, countries such as South Korea and those in Southeast Asia are also benefiting from the decline in visitors to Japan.
Within Russia, popular destinations among Chinese tourists include Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Murmansk, and Minsk. SCMP noted that Murmansk is especially favored because travelers can view the aurora at a lower cost compared to Northern Europe.
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