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, with an additional 600,000 arriving over the summer. Leading non-CIS countries contributing to this influx include China, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India. Notably, India was highlighted last year as one of the top non-CIS countries in terms of tourist numbers to Moscow, as noted by Kozlov.
Moscow caters to both casual and budget-conscious tourists, offering a wealth of experiences. These include summer movie theaters and urban amphitheaters, pedestrian routes, hundreds of cafe and restaurant terraces, and leisurely strolls through beautifully renovated parks and gardens. With over 18,500 food service establishments and 3,500 summer terraces, Moscow presents a diverse range of culinary options to suit any taste and budget.
The city’s food scene features restaurants serving international cuisines, unique cafes offering national dishes, and an extensive array of food markets. This culinary diversity is celebrated through popular annual food festivals such as Fish Week, RestoMarket Fest, and Tastes of Russia..
