From Latvia to Spain: How the lack of Russian tourists has impacted countries across Europe

If you're looking for Russian tourists in Europe this summer, they're likely to be harder to spot than ever. 

According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), there were 84 per cent fewer Russian visitors to Europe in 2022. As this year's summer tourist season hots up, that figure is not likely to change much at all. 

While the very wealthiest Russians continue to visit the region, middle-class tourists have almost entirely disappeared, citing mounting logistical difficulties and costs.

The reason is of course Russia’s deadly invasion of Ukraine, which has prompted the West to erect barriers not seen since the dark days of the Cold War in support of its embattled ally.

But what effect is this loss of Russian tourists having on Europe? We look at two destinations bordering Russia, and two which used to welcome droves of Russian tourists to find out more.

Latvia has long been a magnet for Russian travellers, owing to its location and historical ties as part of the Soviet Union.

The tiny Baltic state’s vibrant tourism industry was battered by the COVID pandemic, like many others, but losing visitors from Russia doubled down on this.

In solidarity with Ukraine, Russian tourists were banned in September 2022, with the country's Foreign Minister Edgar Rinkevics tweeting “You're not welcome here - you need to end the war against Ukraine and be gone from that beautiful country!”

“Russia was an important market,” Vladislavs Korjagins, CEO of the Baltic Travel Group tells Euronews Travel. “Of course, we are missing it.”

“From an economic perspective, this decision may not have helped local businesses. But, on the political level, we support Ukraine.”

“It’s the right decision,” he adds. “People understand we cannot welcome