OREANDA-NEWS Russians will set a record for trips to China in the fall of 2025. This was stated by Artur Muradian, Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) for international tourism, head of the Space Travel tour operator.

He noted that the so-called low base effect will affect the increase in tourist flow from Russia. The ATOR Vice President added that Russians are attracted to the border regions because of the shopping opportunities. "The demand for direct flights to China is likely to increase, whereas now it is mainly a transit destination with the possibility of a long stopover," said the head of Space Travel. He also said that after the announcement of the visa—free regime, prices for flights to China increased by 15-20 percent, but in some areas - by 50-60 percent.According to him, travel agencies have already recorded a significant increase in the number of bookings to China since the visa-free regime began on September 15. "We should not expect China to replace such popular destinations as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand or Vietnam for Russians. It should be borne in mind that the infrastructure, food, and payment system in mainland China are still unusual for Russian tourists," Muradian explained.

Earlier, Yuri Barzykin, vice president of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (PCT), warned that Russians may face difficulties entering China in case of problems with their passport, lack of reservation and return ticket.