In order to expand its footprint in the Indian market, Moscow City Tourism Committee recently hosted a gala dinner for its Indian travel trade partners.
In a press statement, the Moscow City Tourism Committee says that it brought together more than 170 key partners, including prominent associations like TIA, OTOAI, NIMA, MICE agencies, tour operators and tour agents, government officials and media, along with delegates from Moscow, to strengthen the bond between India and the Russian capital.
The event highlighted the growing collaboration in tourism and business sectors, underscoring Moscow’s commitment to enhancing ties with India’s outbound tourism market.
The organisers say that this initiative aligns with Moscow’s strategic focus on the MICE sector, aiming to position the city as a premier destination for Indian business and leisure travellers.
The statement adds that the evening welcomed visitors with the unique traditional “Moscow Tea Time” followed by captivating performances from the renowned ‘Rusy’ dance troupe, blending Russian folk songs with modern choreography to showcase Moscow’s rich cultural heritage.
Distinguished delegates included Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai; Dr. Elena Remizova, Head of Rossotrudnichestvo in India and Director of the Russian House in New Delhi; and Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, addressed the audience, emphasising India’s significance as a top focus market and highlighting the growing popularity of the hassle-free e-visa among Indian travellers, noting a 1.4-fold increase in 2024 compared to 2023 with over 61,000 visits in the first nine months. Their speeches emphasised the strengthening of unparalleled business opportunities and new attractions for the Indian travellers.
“Moscow is a modern capital of business tourism, boasting world-class infrastructure, including cutting-edge congress and exhibition venues, over 22,000 dining establishments, and advanced technological services. The Moscow City Tourism Committee reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth of India’s MICE industry and enhancing our bilateral relationship through continued engagements and partnerships,” says Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee.
“Moscow is a safe and culturally rich destination. With the simplified visa process, we expect a significant rise in travel interest from India to Moscow. We anticipate 2025 to be a successful year for India’s outbound travel market to this vibrant city, and at OTOAI, we look forward to fostering collaboration and supporting its growth,” says Mr. Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI.
The Moscow City Tourism Committee is a sectoral executive body of the Russian capital that implements city policy on the development and regulation of tourism and hospitality.
In 2023, Moscow attracted 2.3 million foreign tourists, predominantly from key markets like India, China, CIS countries, and the Middle East.
