The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral tourism, improving air connectivity, and developing long-term collaboration through Government-to-Government initiatives.
The meeting was chaired by Shri Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, and attended by Shri Santosh Jadhav, Joint Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra and Shri Sushil Pawar, Assistant Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra. The Russian delegation comprised representatives from the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, including Shri Matvei Fetisov, Vice Consul, and Shri Vladislav Morozov, Vice Consul.
During the meeting, the Russian delegation presented St. Petersburg as one of Russia’s leading cultural and tourism destinations, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums, architecture, and performing arts. The delegation noted that travel preferences among Russian tourists are increasingly shifting towards Asian destinations, positioning India, particularly Maharashtra, as an important market for future tourism growth. They also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Mumbai and St. Petersburg, which will complete 60 years as sister cities in 2027.
The Russian delegation also proposed joint tourism promotion initiatives, including a destination showcase in Mumbai during the proposed visit of a St. Petersburg delegation in September 2026. The participants expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen the international promotion of tourism destinations in Maharashtra and Russia. The meeting also discussed a proposal to launch a direct air service between Mumbai and St. Petersburg, with participants expressing the view that such connectivity would significantly promote tourism while creating new opportunities for investment and industry.
Shri Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, “The Maharashtra Tourism Department is committed to expanding Maharashtra’s global tourism partnerships through sustained Government-to-Government engagement. We welcome the proposals put forward by the Russian delegation and look forward to working together on initiatives such as destination promotion, improved air connectivity and tourism exchanges.”
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