The annual ‘TrEvolution’ conference by tour operator Russian Express has already completed its first four stops, drawing record-breaking participation across Kazan, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Almaty (Kazakhstan). The 2026 tour spans five cities in total (in addition to Almaty, Kazan, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, the biggest event is expected in Moscow on September 2), and has already demonstrated strong industry engagement.
For the first event in Almaty on August 6 there were about 950 agents registered and over 500 attended in person. Over 1,000 agents registered for Kazan event on August 11, with actual attendance exceeding 600. St. Petersburg followed with more than 1,200 registrations and a turnout of 650 professionals. Yekaterinburg, held on August 18 at the Hyatt Regency, set a new local record with 700 participants – the highest ever for that city.
Across all events, the agenda focused on transformative shifts in travel: the rise of AI, new sales tools, and evolving distribution models. Founder and CEO of the company Taras Kobishchanov addressed the impact of marketplaces and ecosystems, while Deputy CEO Daria Loseva (also head of SEQUOIA travel school) urged agents to move from price competition to value creation. Annual TrEvolution conference also served as key networking hubs, bringing together hoteliers, DMCs, airlines, and tourism boards from Turkey, the UAE, Oman, Egypt, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Among the participants were representatives from the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, the Ajman Tourism Development Department, Dubai Tourism, the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Swan Hellenic, Park Hyatt Milano, Neos Air, Etihad Airways, and Tianchang Business Travel, as well as Yas Island, Air Arabia, DMC Elevate, Rotana Hotels UAE, Rixos Hotels Egypt, Yalla International Nile Cruise, Swissôtel Tbilisi, Mercure Tbilisi Old Town, and Castello Mare Hotel & Wellness Resort.
Participants gained direct access to destination updates and new products from these partners. Additionally, prize draws were held throughout the events, offering attendees the chance to win R-Shop merchandise and vouchers.
If you are interested to get more info about Russian Express, we recommend to read an interview with its commercial director Anton Savostyanov, taken during TrEvolution conference in Almaty.
Photo by Russian Express
