Moscow has solidified its reputation as a premier global travel destination, witnessing a significant rise in international arrivals. In the first nine months of 2024, the Russian capital welcomed 19.7 million visitors, including 1.9 million foreign tourists, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. India has emerged as one of Moscow’s top two non-CIS inbound tourism markets, with over 61,000 Indian travelers visiting the city during this period, surpassing the total number of Indian visitors in all of 2023.
The momentum continued at OTM 2025, held in Mumbai from January 30 to February 1, where the Moscow City Tourism Committee showcased the city’s rich cultural, leisure, and business tourism offerings. Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted India’s importance in Moscow’s tourism strategy, emphasizing strategic partnerships, customized travel experiences, and immersive initiatives to attract more Indian tourists.
During the event, Moscow strengthened its tourism cooperation with India by finalizing two key agreements. A landmark cooperation agreement was signed with Maharashtra, India’s second most populous and third-largest state, aimed at enhancing travel links between Moscow and Mumbai. Additionally, the Moscow delegation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thomas Cook India Group, the country’s largest tour operator. This agreement seeks to develop tailored travel products for Indian tourists, promote Moscow’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) potential, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices.
Ahead of OTM 2025, Moscow hosted a Business Mission on January 28, bringing together 14 Moscow-based travel companies and 109 foreign travel agencies, leading to over 1,200 negotiations and the establishment of new business contacts. The Russian capital continues to prioritize the Indian market by actively participating in key travel events such as BLTM, SATTE, OTM, and MILT Congress, alongside organizing business missions, familiarization trips, and B2B negotiations to further strengthen ties.
As Moscow attracts a growing number of Indian travelers, its expanding tourism collaborations and strategic initiatives reinforce its position as a top international destination for Indian tourists, offering world-class attractions and business opportunities.
