Russian Tourists Flock to Change UAE Trips to Alternative Destinations

16:08; 25 March 2026 year

### Russian Tourists Opt for Rebooking Over Refunds Amid Mass Cancellations in Persian Gulf Countries Russian tourists facing mass cancellations of trips to Persian Gulf countries are increasingly choosing to rebook their vacations rather than seek refunds, according to industry representatives. This option allows them to resolve their holiday plans more quickly and avoid lengthy waits for compensation. According to the Association of Russian Tour Operators, cancellations are no longer limited to March trips but now include tours scheduled for April. Nearly all trips on upcoming dates are being canceled, and many travelers are also abandoning plans to visit countries where tour sales are currently suspended: the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The timeline for refunds depends on the chosen mechanism, but with a high volume of requests, the process can be significantly delayed. If tour operators use their personal liability funds, it can take up to six months to compile a list of affected tourists, and payments themselves may take another 60 working days. In such cases, compensation is directly paid by the Russian tourism assistance fund ("Turpomoshch"). In some instances, refunds may only be received by the end of 2026. The situation is further complicated by the stance of foreign partners. Airlines generally return funds without significant issues, but hotels vary in their approach: some agree to refund advance payments, while others do not. These expenses may be considered actual costs and withheld in case of tour cancellation. Tour operators are adopting different strategies in response. Some companies are prepared to use their personal liability funds to refund customers, while others are trying to negotiate with service providers to avoid using these mechanisms. In this context, more and more tourists are opting to change their travel destinations. In some companies, the share of rebookings reaches 70–80%. The most popular alternative destinations are Egypt, Turkey, and Thailand. To support demand, tour operators are introducing special conditions: offering discounts, flexibly changing travel dates, allowing changes to the composition of travelers in applications, or permitting the transfer of funds to other bookings.

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