The press service of the Russian Union of Travel Industry has reported a growing interest among Russians in pilgrimage tours abroad. While interest in trips to holy places within Russia is also increasing, it is more subdued due to rising prices.
Among foreign destinations, Russian pilgrims are particularly drawn to Israel, Italy, Greece, and Saudi Arabia. This year, demand for European destinations has tripled despite high prices and the need to obtain a Schengen visa. Pilgrims are also traveling to Uzbekistan, where they visit sites associated with New Martyrs of the early 20th century.
According to Yuri Minulin, head of the RST Committee for Pilgrimage Tourism, there is a noticeable increase in independent travel within Russia. Groups are primarily formed from like-minded individuals. They often request tours to Sakhalin, Kamchatka, Baikal, Altai, Yeniseisk, Krasnoyarsk, Tobolsk, Verkhoturye, Yekaterinburg, and Perm. Typically, in such trips, pilgrims not only visit churches and religious services but also explore local attractions and museums.
One of the most sought-after pilgrimage destinations in Russia is Solovetsky Islands and Valaam. Tourists often travel there independently, as local pilgrimage services offer ready-made tour programs on their websites.
Reuters has reported that the New Zealand government has announced a nearly threefold increase in fees for foreign tourists. Starting October 1st, the entry fee to the country will be 100 New Zealand dollars, equivalent to approximately 62 US dollars
The press service of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development has reported that, according to Rosstat, Russian hotels, sanatoriums, and other accommodation facilities welcomed 9.99 million guests in July of this year
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