Gunjan Sabikhi
Q: Moscow has seen significant growth in tourism in recent years. What strategic initiatives are being implemented by the Moscow City Tourism Committee to continue attracting both international and domestic tourists, and how do you envision the city’s tourism landscape evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?
Tourism is becoming a crucial pillar of Moscow’s economy. As of now, it contributes around 5% to our local GDP, but our mayor has set an ambitious target to increase this to 8%. To achieve this, we are working hard to attract more tourists, especially those with a higher spending capacity.
Indian travelers are a key focus for us, as they typically spend around $2,000 per trip. We aim to double the number of international visitors to Moscow, and India plays a significant role in this expansion. Additionally, there are discussions about introducing a visa-free group travel regime, which will further simplify travel for Indian tourists.
Q: Moscow is a city with a rich cultural history and a dynamic modern identity. How does the Moscow City Tourism Committee balance preserving the city’s heritage while promoting contemporary attractions and innovations to cater to a diverse range of visitors?
Moscow offers a unique mix of history and modern attractions. We want visitors to experience the city from three perspectives—its historical center, the Moscow River, and its lush city forests. This provides a well-rounded view of the capital, from its cultural landmarks to its scenic natural retreats.
Additionally, we are actively promoting Moscow as a film tourism destination. Indian filmmakers are being offered incentives, such as reduced equipment rental costs and easier access to permits. Our Special Cinema Park is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities at competitive rates, making Moscow an attractive filming location. This initiative not only brings Indian cinema to Moscow but also showcases our city’s beauty to a wider audience.
Q: The recent BRICS summit in Moscow brought together leaders from key global economies. How do you see the outcomes of the summit influencing Moscow’s tourism strategy, and what opportunities do you foresee for enhancing tourism collaboration within BRICS nations in the coming years?
The BRICS summit has emphasized the importance of strengthening tourism ties between member nations, especially India. However, one of the major challenges we face is air connectivity. Currently, only Aeroflot operates direct flights from Delhi to Moscow, with a few additional flights from Goa. In contrast, China has over 80 flights per week to Moscow.
We are actively working on encouraging Indian airlines to establish direct routes. Moscow is a safe and cost-effective destination, and improved connectivity will make it more accessible for Indian travelers.
We also see great potential in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. Our ‘MICE Ambassadors Moscow’ program is a digital training initiative that equips Indian professionals with the knowledge to organize business events in Moscow. Over 100 professionals have already completed the program, and many are successfully bringing Indian corporate groups to the city.
Moscow is not just a leisure destination—it’s an emerging hub for business tourism as well. With continued efforts to strengthen partnerships, improve accessibility, and enhance cultural exchanges, Moscow is poised to become a top choice for Indian travelers in the coming years.
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