“We have noticed an increase in Russian travellers in recent months,” says Ashlyn Worrall, Sales and Marketing at Ilios Travel. 

Ilios Travel operates overland and day tours across South Africa with services including foreign language guides.

She added that while Ilos Travel offered Russian-speaking guides, the travellers coming were generally well off, had a good command of English and preferred an authentic experience with a South African (English-speaking) guide. 

This could be the beginning of increased travel due to the reciprocal visa waiver programme that was implemented between South Africa and the Russian Federation earlier this year.

If you have seen an increase in Russian traffic we would be interested to know about it. Email editor@tourismupdate.co.za .