Previous destinations are urged to be replaced with domestic tourism.
The State Duma has proposed an initiative to limit the sale of tourist packages abroad amid escalating international tensions. Deputy Vitaly Milonov stated on the NTV channel that Russian tour companies should completely halt the sale of foreign destinations, suggesting that citizens focus on vacations within the country or at resorts in friendly states.
According to the parliamentarian, under the current geopolitical conditions, traveling outside of Russia poses an unjustifiable risk. Milonov emphasized that he understands the commercial interests of tour operators in maintaining foreign destinations; however, in his view, business interests should not prevail over security considerations.
The deputy also expressed critical views on the mass “all-inclusive” vacation format in Turkey, calling it unacceptable for promotion in the Russian market.
“Now is not the time for travel! I understand tour companies—they will say ‘go,’ because for them it’s money, it’s profit. They are already promoting this ‘cattle’ all-inclusive in Turkey, which should be banned altogether. Now is not the time to travel abroad. And we have Vyborg! We have St. Petersburg!” Milonov stated.
The parliamentarian urged citizens to pay attention to domestic tourist resources. As an alternative to foreign beaches and skyscrapers, he mentioned St. Petersburg and Vyborg, emphasizing that these Russian cities have a rich historical and cultural heritage that can compete with foreign destinations.
Speaking about beach vacations, the deputy allowed for the possibility of traveling only to friendly countries but did not specify which states he suggests as alternatives to resorts in unfriendly countries.
“Tour operators, close all your foreign trips! Let people go to Russia. We live in the most beautiful country,” Milonov addressed market players.
Earlier, media reported that the State Duma is allegedly discussing the introduction of a tax on Russians traveling abroad. Commenting on this information, Deputy Sangadji Tarbaev stated that it is based on a distorted interpretation of his words, and in fact, such initiatives are not even being considered.
In reality, similar ideas have been discussed in Russia for several years. In 2023, there was talk of introducing so-called exit visas. In 2025, the possibility of imposing a hidden tax on traveling abroad by adding it to the cost of travel packages was considered.
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