The demand for travel to Sochi, one of Russia's highly favored Black Sea resorts, has significantly declined this year, as reported by the Kommersant business daily. Statistics from tour operator Intourist indicate a 30% year-on-year drop in interest for February 2026. This downturn is echoed by OneTwoTrip, an online travel service, which reported similar declines in ticket sales, indicating a 30% annual drop to Sochi during early February, with a more drastic 38% fall compared to January 2026.

The decline in tourist interest—down by 9% overall during the first two months of 2026, per insights from Sergei Romashkin, the vice president of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR)—is largely attributed to the disruptions caused by frequent drone attacks on Sochi’s airport. These incidents have led to temporary closures of the airport, resulting in extensive flight delays and cancellations, which understandably dampens travelers' enthusiasm for visiting the area.

In addition to security concerns prompted by drone activity, another significant factor influencing the reduced demand for Sochi trips is the rising cost of airfares. As prices soar, potential tourists may reconsider their travel plans, further exacerbating the slump in tourism. The decline in travel to Sochi comes amid turbulent times for the tourism industry in Russia, needing effective strategies to address safety and affordability to revitalize interest in this popular destination.