Russian Union of Travel Industry

Around 7 million Russians are expected to visit Türkiye this year, up from 5.5 million in 2022 as more flights are planned between the two countries.

Some 171 flights from Russia to Türkiye will take place each day during this summer season, according to a report on ekonomim.com.

The first group of Russian tourists arrived in the southern province of Antalya after Moscow resumed full-scale air traffic with Turkey on June 22, with representatives from the industry expecting as many as 7 million Russians to visit the country this year.

On April 15, Russia had temporarily suspended regular and charter flights with Turkey due to COVID-19 concerns.

Russian holidaymakers are looking forward to traveling to Turkey as authorities from both sides intensify negotiations on resuming flights that have been suspended due to rising coronavirus cases in Turkey, according to tourism professionals and officials.

Russia's tourism sector is keenly awaiting the resumption of charter flights to and from Turkey by June 1.

Earlier this week, Moscow announced a temporary suspension of regular and charter flights with Turkey due to COVID-19 concerns, starting April 15.

Bulgaria hopes to retain its appeal among Russian tourists by offering competitively low prices and easing visa requirements, the Bulgarian Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova has said.