Moscow Rises to Sixth Globally with Boost From Indian Business Travelers

Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, has highlighted India's growing importance as a key tourism market for Moscow. India currently ranks as the sixth-largest source of tourists to the city, with an increasing number of Indian business professionals choosing Moscow as their preferred destination for business events. Business tourism now accounts for one-fifth of Moscow's total tourist traffic.

Kozlov's recent visit to India aimed to strengthen ties with local tourism stakeholders and participate in a significant trade event. The Moscow City Tourism Committee is keen on deepening its engagement with Indian travelers, recognizing their growing significance in the Russian tourism landscape. Kozlov noted that before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel, tourist traffic from India to Moscow was growing steadily at an annual rate of 12-15 percent.

A notable trend Kozlov emphasized is the preference of Indian business professionals for Moscow as a prime location for business events. Not only do business tourists make up a substantial portion of Moscow's visitors, but around 40 percent of these travelers return to the city later with family or friends, underscoring Moscow's appeal beyond business.

In 2022, the Moscow City Tourism Committee reported that China, Turkey, and India were the leading sources of business visitors to Moscow from non-CIS countries. The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, saw a significant 14 percent increase in business visits to the city.

Currently, there are 10 direct flights daily between Moscow and India, with seven connecting Moscow to New Delhi and three connecting Moscow to Goa, facilitating increased travel between the two countries.

To further promote MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, Moscow is set to host the first-ever Meet Global MICE Congress on October 6. The event is expected to attract 250 representatives from the business tourism industry across 14 countries, including India, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. India and China will have the largest delegations at this international gathering, highlighting their pivotal role in Moscow's business tourism sector.