New Delhi, February 3 2025: Moscow City Tourism Committee hosted a prestigious gala dinner, brought together more than 170 key partners including prominent associations like TIA, OTOAI, NIMA, MICE agencies, TO and TA, government officials and media, along with delegates from Moscow, to celebrate the strengthening bond between India and the Russian capital. The event highlighted the growing collaboration in tourism and business sectors, underscoring Moscow’s commitment to enhancing ties with India’s outbound tourism market. This initiative aligns with Moscow’s strategic focus on the MICE sector, aiming to position the city as a premier destination for Indian business and leisure travellers.
The evening welcomed guests with the unique traditional “Moscow Tea Time” followed by captivating performances from the renowned ‘Rusy’ dance troupe, blending Russian folk songs with modern choreography to showcase Moscow’s rich cultural heritage. It was an unforgettable spread of elaborate cuisines and extraordinary lucky draw prizes generously offered by the Moscow travel and MICE industry.
Distinguished delegates included Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai; Dr. Elena Remizova, Head of Rossotrudnichestvo in India and Director of the Russian House in New Delhi; and Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, addressed the audience, emphasizing India’s significance as a top focus market and highlighting the growing popularity of the hassle-free e-visa among Indian travellers, noting a 1.4-fold increase in 2024 compared to 2023 with over 61,000 visits in the first nine months. Their speeches emphasized the strengthening of unparalleled business opportunities and new attractions for Indian travellers.
Speaking on the occasion Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee said,” Moscow is a modern capital of business tourism, boasting world-class infrastructure, including cutting-edge congress and exhibition venues, over 22,000 dining establishments, and advanced technological services. The Moscow City Tourism Committee reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth of India’s MICE industry and enhancing our bilateral relationship through continued engagements and partnerships.”
Adding to the occasion, Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI, commented, “Moscow is a safe and culturally rich destination. With the simplified visa process, we expect a significant rise in travel interest from India toMoscow. We anticipate 2025 to be a successful year for India’s outbound travel market to this vibrant city, and at OTOAI, we look forward to fostering collaboration and supporting its growth.”
The Moscow City Tourism Committee is a sectoral executive body of the Russian capital that implements city policy on the development and regulation of tourism and hospitality. With a strategic focus on branding Moscow as a premier tourist destination both domestically and globally, the Committee is dedicated to enhancing the city’s allure. In 2023, Moscow attracted 2.3 million foreign tourists, predominantly from key markets like India, China, CIS countries, and the Middle East. To strengthen international ties, the Russian capital organizes business missions, showcases its tourism potential at industry exhibitions, and launches legislative initiatives, events and image projects aimed at foreign tourists, such as the Moscow MICE Ambassadors program in India.
