Experts reported a record increase in the demand of Russians for holidays in Crimea

The demand for booking accommodation in Crimea this summer increased by one and a half times compared to 2024 and doubled compared to 2023. This makes the republic the fastest growing tourist destination among all Russian regions, such conclusions were shared with Izvestia on August 6 by analysts of the online hotel and apartment booking service Ostrovok.

According to their data, Crimea also made a leap in the top of the most sought—after destinations in terms of the number of bookings - from 13th position last year to eighth place in the rating. According to Ostrovka, the largest increase in bookings was recorded on the western coast of the peninsula. The demand for Sevastopol and Balaklava, one of the most popular destinations, has more than doubled compared to last season. The number of bookings in Nikolaevka increased by 59%, in the city of Saki and Yevpatoria — by 40%.

Among the resorts of the southern coast, Russian tourists began to choose Sudak and Alushta more often — an increase in bookings of more than one and a half times, Alupka and Gurzuf — by 40%, Simeiz and Yalta — by 26%, Koktebel and Novy Svet — by 10%. In the east of the peninsula, Kerch stands out especially with an increase of 67%, followed by Sudak with an increase of 57% and Feodosia with an increase of 25%. The top most sought-after destinations by the number of bookings this summer include Yalta, Sevastopol, Sudak, Feodosia, Alushta, Yevpatoria, Simferopol, Kerch, Koktebel and Gurzuf.

According to Ostrovka, Crimea is also strengthening its position as a family destination — every third booking for the 2025 season includes one or more children (33%). Last year, the share of such bookings was 31%, in 2023 — 29%.

"Tourists come to the peninsula from all over the country, mainly by their own transport, and choose both well—known resorts with developed infrastructure - Yalta or Sevastopol, as well as small resort towns and cities. These places are ideal for families with children or for a relaxing vacation away from noisy locations. The fact that Crimea has become one of the alternatives to the Black Sea resorts of the Krasnodar Territory has also given an impetus to the growth of demand this year. Interest in the region continues unabated by the end of summer: Demand for the velvet season in Crimea already exceeds last year's figures by more than 70%," explained Daria Kochetkova, Managing Director of Ostrov.

The average cost of a booked night in Crimean accommodation facilities for this summer is 5.9 thousand rubles, which is 18% higher than last year (5 thousand rubles). Among the most budget-friendly coastal destinations is Kerch, where the average cost of a night is 3,800 rubles, as well as Saki (4 thousand rubles) and the village of Zaozernoye near Yevpatoria (4.1 thousand rubles).

Tourists can spend up to 5,000 rubles per night in Koktebel (4.3 thousand rubles), Feodosia (4.5 thousand rubles), Nikolaevka and Sudak (4.6 thousand rubles), Massandra (4.7 thousand rubles) and Alupka (4.9 thousand rubles). Tourists pay more than 5,000 rubles per night in hotels and apartments in Sevastopol (5.4 thousand rubles), Yevpatoria (5.5 thousand rubles), Balaklava (6600 rubles) and Simeiz (7.2 thousand rubles). In the higher price segment are Koreiz (8 thousand rubles per night), Yalta (8.6 thousand rubles), Novy Svet (8.9 thousand rubles) and Gurzuf (10 thousand rubles).

According to Ostrovok, when traveling in Crimea, tourists most often prefer guest houses — such accommodations account for 36% of bookings, and hotels without stars (31%). They make every tenth reservation in apartments (11%) and three-star hotels (10%). Tourists are less likely to choose one– or two-star hotels (5%), four-star and five-star hotels (4% in total), villas, cottages and campsites (2% in total), hostels (1%).

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Analysts of the member companies of the Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) Dolphin, ALEAN, Multitour, Intourist and Russian Express informed Izvestia on July 1 that the high season in Crimea would be at a good level, judging by current sales of tours for July-August. In addition, the number of bookings for this period is 30-40% higher than a year earlier. Crimea is one of the top 5 most popular domestic destinations, second only to the Krasnodar Territory in terms of bookings, they noted. In the summer season of 2024, Crimea was in sixth place in terms of sales.

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