
Since the beginning of 2024, Russia has actively targeted the Indian travel market to boost its tourism sector. This initiative comes amidst financial challenges due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and ongoing European travel bans. Russia aims to attract Indian travelers to explore its diverse destinations, following the popularity of tourist spots like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Additionally, Russia is focusing on promoting its tourism offerings to both Chinese and Indian populations.
At SATTE 2024, Russia's significant presence made sure India's importance as a key market for Russian tourism. Yulia Maksutova, Director of the National Centre for Tourism Development at the Russia Tourism Board, highlighted various tourism opportunities and strategies to promote tourism, particularly focusing on the growing Indian market.
Maksutova stressed the importance of India as a prime market and emphasized the event as an excellent opportunity to connect with Indian counterparts. With India showing increasing interest in Russia, efforts are underway to strengthen tourism ties between the two nations. Maksutova noted that Russia welcomed around 8 million foreign tourists last year and anticipates further growth.
Their participation at the event aimed to promote Russia's tourism sector and the upcoming visa-free organized group travel from India, which will facilitate easier visits for Indian tourists. This initiative is expected to enhance tourism and foster stronger bilateral relations.
A notable development is the announcement of consultations between Russia and India to establish a bilateral visa-free travel agreement. Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry's Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, mentioned that these consultations would commence in June 2024. He stated that India's internal state coordination is in its final stages.
Kondratyev also talked about the importance of these agreements in strengthening bilateral relations. He mentioned that discussions would focus on implementing visa-free group tourist exchanges, similar to those between Russia, China, and Iran.
For Indian travellers, Russia offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences. Destinations such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Siberia present exciting travel opportunities. The ease of travel facilitated by the visa-free agreement is expected to boost the number of Indian tourists visiting Russia.
Times of India