Statistics from Russian border services reveal that inbound tourism to Russia increased by 4.5% last year, amounting to 1.64 million foreign tourists. Most of these visitors came from China, indicating a significant contribution to Russia's tourism sector amidst fluctuating numbers from other neighboring countries. In total, approximately 15.6 million tourism trips were recorded in Russia for 2025, which represents a decline of 6.9% from the previous year.

The countries leading in tourist trips to Russia included Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, but the reports indicate that many of these numbers showed a downturn. In contrast, China's tourist figure increased modestly by 4.2% to 1.76 million, highlighting its pivotal role in sustaining travel volumes to Russia at a time when adjacent nations like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were experiencing significant declines in visitor numbers.

The data not only underscores the reliance of Russia on Chinese tourists but also reflects broader regional trends in tourism where diverse geopolitical issues may impact travel patterns. With geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, the trajectory of foreign tourism in Russia remains uncertain, but the steady influx from China signifies a crucial lifeline for the sector as it navigates through these changing dynamics.