Foreign Tourism in Sverdlovsk Region Jumps 44.9% as Focus Shifts to Asian Markets

Foreign tourism in Russia’s Sverdlovsk region rose 44.9% over the past year, reaching 87,000 international visitors, as the region leans more on aviation links through Yekaterinburg’s airport hub. Koltsovo Airport handled nearly 8.4 million passengers by the end of 2025, and while domestic travel remains the main driver, the international segment is expanding about four times faster, up 16%. The airport currently serves 38 foreign destinations, with Turkey, the UAE, Egypt and Thailand among the strongest routes. From Oct. 25, flights to Delhi will resume for the first time in 30 years, running three times weekly and aimed not only at leisure but also business delegations, students and labor migration. Officials are also seeking inclusion in federal campaigns for China and Vietnam.