Tourism growth reported in Russia and Mongolia

Russia has seen a 20 percent increase in foreign arrivals during the first half of 2026, reaching 2.5 million visitors. Driven by visa-free agreements with 66 destinations and modernized electronic visa pathways, officials project year-end arrivals could reach 6.5 million. China remains the primary source market, accounting for over 22 percent of arrivals, followed by Turkey, Germany, India, and Turkmenistan. Significant infrastructure investments are being directed toward aviation and transport in Saint Petersburg, Moscow, and Sochi, while tourism in the Arctic and Far East regions rose by 91 percent.

In Mongolia, international visitor numbers reached 856,636 by October 6, 2026, surpassing the total recorded for the entire year of 2025. The country has achieved 85.7 percent of its annual goal of one million visitors. Major source markets for Mongolia include Russia, China, and South Korea. September 2026 saw a 21 percent increase in visitors compared to the same month in 2025, indicating sustained demand outside the peak summer season.