Russia aims to double tourism’s contribution to its GDP from 3.8% to 10% by 2030, backed by increased investments and the launch of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality” in 2025. Evgeny Kozlov, chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted the country’s efforts to attract tourists and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) visitors from India and China as key to boosting arrivals and economic impact.
Kozlov emphasized measures to ease travel for Indian tourists, including the introduction of e-visas from August 1, 2023. Indian passport holders can now apply online for e-visas, issued within four days without requiring invitations or confirmations. This liberalized policy has led to a 1.5-fold increase in Indian tourist arrivals, with 28,500 visitors in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
However, Gajesh Giridhar, founder of the Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), noted that destinations like Baku and Thailand remain more popular among Indian travelers due to better flight connectivity. Both Kozlov and Giridhar urged Indian airlines to introduce direct flights to Moscow to capitalize on the rising demand.
Moscow’s tourism revenue has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching 1.3 trillion rubles (USD 12.35 billion) in 2024. By 2030, this figure is expected to grow 2.7 times to 3.6 trillion rubles (USD 34.2 billion). While optimistic about the sector’s potential, Kozlov underlined the critical need for improved transport links between India and Russia to fully unlock the market’s opportunities.
