Instead of Dubai: where tourists are flying amid the conflict and how much a spring vacation costs

      Russian travelers are facing a similar situation: previously popular destinations, including the UAE, are temporarily losing their appeal, and demand is shifting towards calmer regions.

      Where they are flying instead of the UAE

      According to Valentina Spivakova, founder of the travel agency SV tour, in April, comfort is not the only priority when choosing a vacation; safety is also a key factor.

      Among the main alternatives:

      — Egypt — one of the best destinations in terms of price and quality;

      — Thailand — provided there are direct flights or routes without transfers in Middle Eastern countries;

      — Vietnam — one of the season's favorites;

      — Seychelles and Maldives — more premium options;

      — Goa (India), Cuba, Dominican Republic;

      — Turkey — the season starts here by the end of April.

      — The budget for a vacation for two for eight nights with meals starts at around 100,000 rubles and can reach several million — it all depends on the level of the hotel and resort, — quotes Valentina Spivakova mkset.ru.

      What tourists are choosing

      According to booking services, after the escalation in the Middle East began, the structure of demand has changed significantly.

      The top destinations for trips in April included:

      — Egypt — 24.6% of bookings;

      — Turkey — 18.1%;

      — Thailand — 14.9%;

      — Vietnam — 11%;

      — Russia — 10.9%.

      Thus, tourists are opting for countries with clear logistics and a stable situation.

      How much a vacation costs

      Prices for tours departing from regions in April are as follows:

      — Turkey, 7 nights, 4* — from 84,700 rubles for two;

      — Turkey, 5* — from 94,600 rubles;

      — Egypt, 4* — from 129,300 rubles;

      — Egypt, 5* — from 159,000 rubles;

      — Thailand, 4* — from 143,700 rubles;

      — Thailand, 5* — from 161,500 rubles.

      Who benefits from the redistribution of demand

      According to Dmitry Matveev, CEO of the company "My Car Rental," the main beneficiaries of the situation are Southeast Asian countries, primarily Thailand.

      — This destination combines a comfortable beach holiday, developed infrastructure, and a high level of safety. In spring, the flow of tourists decreases, but the good weather remains — around +30 degrees. Additionally, Russians can enjoy a visa-free regime for up to 60 days, — notes the expert.

      Interest in East Asian countries — China, Japan, and South Korea — is also growing.

      Spring is considered a favorable season for trips to China, where a short-term visa-free regime is in place, and the climate remains comfortable. The island of Hainan remains a popular destination.

      The effect of proximity

      At the same time, as experts note, the crisis affects not only the countries of the Middle East but also neighboring destinations.

      — Tourists often avoid trips to the macro-region as a whole. This is the so-called "neighborhood effect," where even resorts far from the conflict are perceived as potentially risky, — explains Dmitry Matveev.

      The main trend

      The current situation is shaping a new principle for choosing a vacation: not only price and service level come to the forefront, but also the predictability of the route.

      Tourists are increasingly favoring destinations with direct flights and clear logistics, even if it requires changing their usual routes.