Russia is actively promoting Moscow as a preferred tourist destination for Indian travelers and has undertaken several initiatives to improve infrastructure and the visa process to attract more visitors from India.

Promoting Moscow as a Cultural and Business Hub

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is actively promoting Moscow as not only a cultural capital but also a thriving business hub. It is collaborating with trade partners, tourists, and vacationers to showcase the city's tourism potential. 

Moscow has also strengthened its ties with the tourism sectors of allied nations, facilitating familiarization tours and business trips to highlight its attractions.

Infrastructure Improvements

To cater to international visitors, Moscow has made significant infrastructure improvements:

• Multilingual Signs: Signs are now available in English and Chinese to aid tourists in navigation.
• English Announcements: Public transport announcements are repeated in English to assist foreign travelers.
• International-Friendly Hotels: Hotels have adapted to accommodate guests from various countries, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Visitor Growth and Future Plans

Before the pandemic, Moscow experienced steady year-on-year growth of 12-15% in the number of Indian tourists. 

In the first half of the year, the city received approximately 20,000 Indian visitors, marking a 56% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. 

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is actively working on enhancing infrastructure to attract more international travelers.

Accommodation and Dining Options

Moscow offers a range of accommodation options for tourists, catering to various price segments. Visitors can savor traditional Russian cuisine and explore a diverse culinary scene, including authentic Indian delicacies and continental dishes prepared to high standards. In 2022, the city saw a 6.3% increase in the number of foreign tourists, totaling 1.7 million.

E-Visa System

From August 1, 2023, tourists from India and 54 other countries can apply for an electronic visa to enter Russia, making travel to Moscow more accessible. 

The impact of this Russia e-visa system will be assessed by October after analyzing quarterly data from Russian border control agencies.

Foreign Tourist Card

The Russian government is planning to introduce a virtual 'Foreign Tourist Card' that will enable cashless payments for various services. This card will allow individuals in India to apply for it remotely and transfer money from their personal bank accounts.

Collaboration and Social Media Engagement

The Indian tourism ministry, along with the governments of Goa and Kerala, are participating in roundtable discussions in Moscow to boost tourism. 

Plans also include engaging social media influencers to increase tourist traffic to India. Before the pandemic, around 3 lakh Russian tourists visited India annually, a number that has declined to around 80,000-90,000 in recent times.

Travel Assistance Platforms

Moscow provides several platforms to facilitate visitor movement across the city:

• Discover Moscow: A navigation and travel web portal offering information on over 1,200 architectural landmarks in Moscow, news, event digests, and curated lists of exhibition venues.
• RUSSPASS Travel Service: A digital platform for planning trips across Russia, providing essential information on visas, currency, accommodation, and transportation in Moscow. It also offers a trip builder feature, with versions available in multiple languages.

Cultural Attractions

Moscow boasts a rich cultural scene with 10,000 cultural venues, including theaters, museums, libraries, parks, cinemas, and concert halls. Over the last decade, around 900 parks and green spaces have been renovated, enhancing the city's appeal to tourists.

With these initiatives and improvements, Moscow aims to become a top destination for Indian travelers, offering a blend of culture, business opportunities, and a welcoming environment for tourists from around the world.