Russian tourists have been eyeing destinations like former Soviet republics, faced with the problem of travelling to Turkey or finding an alternative to the crowded domestic resorts, Kommersant reports.

Based on early booking, tour operators and independent travel planning systems recorded at least 50% growth in demand for visiting South Caucas+us countries, including Armenia.

Sales director at the Russian tour agency Intourist Sergei Tolchin said he too has noticed some increase in popularity of the CIS countries, adding that demand for Armenia has increased threefold.