While 2008 was not outstanding for many world regions in terms of growth in travel and tourism, Russia reported double digit growth in air travel demand during the first six months (16%) and its national carrier Aeroflot was reporting 28% growth in revenue during the first nine months of the year.

With travel retail in Russia forecast to double in the next four years, there is a marked interest in the market among brand owners. This report, the first by TFWA on Russian outbound travellers, provides a unique insight into their travelling trends and spending behaviour.