Goa in India has been one destination that has attracted Russian and British tourists in hordes. While the tourist season in Goa commences from end-September/mid-October and lasts until the end of February, over the years foreign tourist footfalls to the sunny state have witnessed a steady decline, specifically post the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in what seems like a turn of events, Moscow is now looking to attract Indian travellers.
Russia is actively courting Indian tourists to experience the grandeur of Moscow that represents the historical, political, and spiritual heart of the Russian Federation.
The Moscow City Tourism Committee is promoting Russia’s capital city as a thriving business hub as well. It is actively seeking partnership with tourists, vacationers and trade associates.
Traveling to Moscow has become more accessible, as tourists from India and 54 other countries can apply for electronic visas to enter Russia since August 1, 2023. The impact of this e-visa rollout will be assessed by October, following an analysis of quarterly data from Russian border control agencies.
Moscow has bolstered collaboration with allied nations in the tourism sector, hosting familiarisation tours for delegates and facilitating business trips to showcase the city’s vast tourism potentials.
To enhance visitors’ experience, Moscow has invested in infrastructure improvements. English and Chinese signage is now available, public transport announcements are bilingual, and hotels are adapting to cater to the diverse needs of international guests.
Bulat Nurmukhanov, Head of International Cooperation Division of Moscow City Tourism Committee, stated, “We are working diligently to revive the influx of Indian tourists to Moscow to reach pre-covid levels.” In the first half 2023, Moscow welcomed approximately 20,000 Indian visitors.
Visitors to the capital can choose from a range of hotels to suit their budget. They can savour traditional Russian cuisine or explore a diverse culinary experience, with options spanning from authentic Indian delicacies to continental dishes.
In 2022, Moscow witnessed a 6.3 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, totaling 1.7 million visitors.
Meanwhile, PTI cited sources as saying that Indian Embassy in Moscow and the Indian Ministry of Tourism, along with the governments of Goa and Kerala are scheduled to participate in roundtable discussions this month. Plans are underway to engage social media influencers to boost inbound traffic to India. Before the pandemic, India welcomed around 300,000 Russian tourists annually, but recent figures have dipped to approximately 80,000 to 90,000.
To simplify movement around the city, Moscow offers “Discover Moscow,” a navigation and travel web portal providing information about Moscow, and “RUSSPASS travel service,” a digital platform designed for planning trips across Russia.
Source : CnBC TV
