Visit Ukraine – Which European countries have the most tourists from russia?

Despite the war in Ukraine, the number of russian tourists in Europe is growing, especially in France, Italy and Spain. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, the conflict on the border between Thailand and Cambodia is escalating, forcing russians to choose alternative routes for their holidays. Find out which countries are leading in terms of tourist traffic from russia so that you can avoid contact with travellers from the aggressor country if you wish

Despite russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, tourist flows from russia to European countries continue to grow. According to The Telegraph, russians are increasingly choosing France, Italy and Spain for their holidays. These countries are members of NATO and the EU and support sanctions against moscow, but at the same time are recording an increase in the number of visits by russian citizens.

France, Italy and Spain are the leaders

Last year, the number of overnight stays by russians in hotels in France and Italy increased by 19%. These countries remain among the most popular destinations for tourists from russia, despite the closure of air links and the sanctions imposed. Russians can reach Europe via third countries such as Turkey, Georgia, Serbia and other routes.

It should be noted that a conflict has currently broken out in Southeast Asia between Thailand and Cambodia. Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for russian tourists.

According to the Bangkok Post, Cambodian troops have entered several areas of Thai territory, prompting a response from the Thai armed forces. Martial law has been declared along the border, and local residents are being evacuated from border areas.

The popular tourist city of Pattaya is only 150 kilometres from the conflict zone, and the capital Bangkok is 200 kilometres away.

Due to the escalation of the situation, some russian tourists may change their itinerary from the Asian region to Europe.

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Europe’s position and Ukraine’s reaction

It is noteworthy that France, which together with the United Kingdom leads the ‘coalition of the willing’ in support of Ukraine, has not closed its doors to Russian tourists. Italy is pursuing a similar policy.

In an interview, Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU Vsevolod Chentsov emphasised: “In the fourth year of russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, it is surprising to see statistics showing an increase in the number of visas issued to russians and an increase in their tourist flow. The majority of russian society supports the war, and many are convinced that they are fighting against the West while the russian army is committing crimes on our territory.”

He recalled that such disregard for the threat could be short-sighted and dangerous.

A similar opinion was expressed by financier and anti-putin activist William Browder. He believes that visas should not be issued to russian citizens if they cannot prove their opposition to the current regime:

‘If Russians cannot demonstrate in an interview that they oppose Putin’s regime, they should not be allowed into Europe.’

According to Browder, such a measure could reduce the security threat and put additional pressure on the kremlin.

What does this mean for tourists?

While Europe continues to welcome russian tourists and Southeast Asia faces military escalation, the global tourism map is changing. Conflicts and political decisions directly affect routes, security and accessibility for travellers.

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