Sunday, August 18, 2024 The Moscow City Tourism Committee is dedicated to enhancing tourism and hospitality in the capital, positioning Moscow as a premier destination for international travelers, with a particular focus on attracting visitors from India. On August 31, the Moscow City Tourism Committee, in collaboration with Aeroflot, unveiled the “Russian Holidays: From the Capital of Russia to the Capital of Siberia” initiative. This project offers Indian travelers the chance to explore the stunning attractions of Moscow and the enigmatic wonders of Siberia, including the Siberian capital, Tyumen, where they can relax in thermal springs and savor local cuisine.
The Indian delegation engaged in over 800 meetings with various companies, greatly increasing the potential service providers and options available to Indian tourists. Since the introduction of e-visas on August 1, 2023, over 30,000 tourists have utilized the service in its first month. The e-visa, valid for 60 days, permits stays of up to 16 days.
Moscow is already taking proactive steps to accommodate foreign tourists who lack access to credit or debit cards. Currently, visitors can pay in cash or withdraw money from their cards at local banks. However, Russia’s Economic Development Ministry plans to introduce an electronic payment card for foreign tourists by the end of the year, addressing most remaining payment challenges.
In the first half of the year, nearly 1 million foreign tourists visited Moscow, wit.