Enforcing cancellation of "All Inclusive" packages in Turkey would necessitate stationing a police officer in every hotel.
Turkey Remains the Top Summer Pick for 2025 Vacations
Photo: Vladimir Velengurin. Switch to KP Photo Bank
Brace yourselves, sun-seekers! Turkey is set to continue its reign as the top foreign vacation spot for Russians in summer 2025. This prediction stems from Arthur Muradyan, vice-president of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia and the general director of tour operator Space Travel, during the Annual Tourism Awards le'TO 2025 briefing.
According to ATOR, a whopping 3.15 million Russian holidaymakers are expected to jet-set to Turkey this summer, marking a 15% rise in tourist numbers compared to last year. However, this figure includes not just beach bums in Antalya or sightseers in Istanbul, but also travelers making pit stops in Turkey en route to European destinations.
Two-thirds of all foreign tours offered by Russian travel agencies this summer will be to Turkey. Over 80-85% of these trips will lead tourists to the picturesque beaches of Antalya and its neighboring spots, such as Kemer, Side, and Belek.
Money concerns? Don't sweat it! Travelers will find that prices, if converted to rubles, have only increased by 3-7% compared to last year's summer. The strengthening ruble means an even sweeter deal for Russian vacationers.[Society]
Now, let's squash those rumors about the end of All-Inclusive in Turkey once and for all. Despite yearly rumblings from complainers, the "All-Inclusive" system is a hardy survivor, expanding, evolving, and still a favorite among Russian tourists. And it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Not even a snap of a government official's finger can banish it, as hotels can simply rebrand it.[Society]
In fact, Turkey's popular all-inclusive system is still thriving. It's being introduced in previously untouched Asian markets, and Turkish hotels are continuously updating their offerings to stay ahead of the game. So, no more fretting about basic "švedskij stol"—it just doesn't cut it anymore![Society]
Enrichment Data:
Despite Decline in Early 2025, Turkey's Popularity Persists
- Decline in Early 2025: Turkish resorts initially received about 1.08 million Russian tourists in the first months of 2025, a slight decrease compared to the same period in 2024 (977,000).[5] However, overall trends indicate a steady rise for the summer season.[1][5]
Factors Bolstering Turkey’s Appeal
- Proximity and Accessibility Turkey's strategic location and numerous direct flights from major Russian cities make it an accessible and affordable destination for Russian travelers.[1][3]
- Tourism Infrastructure Turkey boasts a robust tourism industry with numerous resorts, hotels, and services geared towards Russian tourists, complete with Russian-speaking staff and Russian-language entertainment.[3]
- Warm Climate and Diverse Offerings Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts offer sandy beaches, pleasant weather, and a diverse range of activities from historic sites to water sports and vibrant nightlife.[1]
- Visa-Free Travel Russian citizens can usually travel to Turkey visa-free, making travelers' paths smoother.[3]
- Cultural Familiarity Many Turkish resorts cater specifically to Russian tourists, offering familiar foods, entertainment, and comforts of home.[1]
- Affordability Turkey remains an affordable vacation spot for many Russian tourists when compared to European destinations.[1][3]
- Political and Economic Stability Turkey stands out as a stable and welcoming destination compared to other regions with ongoing geopolitical tensions and limited travel options.[1][5]
[1] Sputnik [https://sputniknews.com/russia/202502101168836754-tourism-turkey-2025/][2] TASS [https://tass.ru/ekonomika/11466871][3] RIA Novosti [https://ria.ru/20250315/1748277220.html][4] Rossiyskaya Gazeta [https://rg.ru/20250415/turistika-v-poluchenii.html][5] Kommersant [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4554809]
In light of the predicted rise in tourist numbers and the continued popularity of all-inclusive vacation packages, many Russian vacationers are likely to choose Turkey for their 2025 summer travel, given its warm climate, diverse offerings, and affordable prices compared to European destinations. As the robust tourism infrastructure in Turkey continues to cater to Russian tourists, the country remains a stable and welcoming choice for travelers seeking a lifestyle of sun, sea, and entertainment.
