Moscow Sees Growing Influx of Indian Business Travelers

Moscow is witnessing a steady rise in business travelers from India, driven by tailored offerings and expanding business opportunities. The Moscow City Tourism Committee has actively promoted the Russian capital as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), contributing to the growing influx of visitors. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the number of business travelers is projected to reach eight million by 2030, with India emerging as a key source market.

 

Moscow’s appeal to business visitors extends beyond its world-class conference facilities and exhibition centers. The city offers a blend of history and modernity, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin and Red Square, along with a vibrant cultural scene that includes theaters, shopping centers, and nightlife options. Additionally, Moscow provides more than 150 unique venues, including historical mansions, museums, and open-air spaces, for hosting business events.

 

Recognizing shifting preferences among business travelers, Moscow has introduced customized experiences that combine professional engagements with cultural and leisure activities. Events can be held at distinctive locations such as the Ostankino TV Tower, while team-building programs may include traditional Russian music lessons or exclusive guided tours.

 

Maya Anurova, Head of the Business Tourism Development Department at the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted the changing expectations of business travelers, emphasizing the importance of personalized experiences. “A luxurious hotel stay, or a well-equipped conference hall is no longer enough. Business tourists now seek tailored experiences and memorable engagements,” she said.

 

India has become a focal point in Moscow’s tourism strategy, with the Moscow City Tourism Committee conducting various promotional activities in the region. At the OTM tourism exhibition in Mumbai earlier this year, a Moscow delegation showcased initiatives such as the Moscow Teatime Project, the Moscow Estates Festival, the City of Discoveries educational initiative, and the RUSSPASS travel planning service. Over 2,000 business meetings were facilitated during the event, leading to agreements on tourism collaboration with Maharashtra state and Thomas Cook India Group.

 

Official figures indicate that in the first nine months of 2024, India ranked among the top two source markets for foreign visitors to Moscow, with over 61,000 Indian travelers—a 1.4-fold increase compared to the previous year. Business travel remains a significant component, accounting for one in three Indian visitors.

 

Industry experts attribute Moscow’s rising popularity among Indian business travelers to its service standards, hospitality, and unique offerings. Shailesh Sharma, head of the destination management company Headed Goose, noted that Indian visitors appreciate Moscow’s combination of historical significance, modern infrastructure, and safety standards.

 

The availability of Indian cuisine has also played a role in attracting business travelers. Elena Orlenko, a representative of Grand Rus, a destination management company catering to Indian MICE agencies, pointed out that Indian travelers prioritize food options. Moscow offers numerous Indian restaurants and high-quality vegetarian meals, with catering services available for business events. Mohit Mandhwani of Travel Canvas, a graduate of the Moscow MICE Ambassadors certification program, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the quality of Indian cuisine in Moscow.

Easing visa regulations has further facilitated travel. Since August 2023, Indian citizens have been able to apply for an e-visa, with approvals granted within four days through an online process. This has positioned India among the top five countries for e-visas issued by Russia.

Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted the positive trend at the OTM exhibition in Mumbai, stating that strategic partnerships and customized travel experiences are expected to further increase Indian business travel to Moscow. Industry experts in India also acknowledge Moscow’s proactive approach, with regular engagements and promotional events expected to sustain the growth in visitor numbers.