Olga Ponomareva, an expert at the Economic Policy Foundation, explained in a commentary for Vedomosti the reasons behind China's growing popularity among Russian tourists, with a forecast of 30% growth in mutual tourist traffic by 2025.
Olga Ponomareva cited currency stability as an important economic advantage. “The yuan's exchange rate against the ruble is stable and not subject to the same fluctuations as other countries' currencies,” she noted.
According to the expert, the political context and the development of bilateral relations play an important role. She recalled that 2024-2025 have been declared cross-cultural years for Russia and China, which increases interest in travel. The planned years of education (2026-2027) should further stimulate the development of educational tourism.
Olga Ponomareva also pointed out that China is not so much competing with Turkey or the UAE as offering exclusive opportunities. “China's identity is reflected in the uniqueness of its culture, the scale of its heritage, and the special path of its civilization's development,” Olga Ponomareva emphasized. She added that a trip can combine beach holidays, gastronomy, shopping, and sightseeing, and that the developed digital infrastructure is an additional advantage.
In addition, the expert noted that the growth of tourism to China is facilitated by reduced opportunities for travel to Europe and the full restoration of transport links with the PRC after pandemic restrictions.