22.02.2024, New Delhi: Moscow Tourism is thrilled to participate in the highly anticipated SATTE (South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange) trade fair, held in Greater Noida, NCR, India from February 22-24. The delegation from Moscow is one of the largest at the event, featuring representatives from the Moscow City Tourism Committee, the Made in Moscow project team, and other key figures in the city’s tourism industry.
During the first day of the event, held on February 22, representatives from the Moscow City Tourism Committee took part in various business sessions and introduced the capital’s flagship projects. One of these projects, the Moscow Estates Festival, received significant attention during a discussion on cultural heritage. The festival, which gained popularity among foreign tourists last summer and this winter, offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of Moscow’s historical mansions through theatrical tours, master classes, and other unique events. This interactive approach to studying cultural heritage has proven especially appealing to children and young people, who appreciate the recreated atmosphere and the chance to take stunning photographs.
Another highlight of Moscow’s tourism scene is the Moscow Tea Time project. At the Moscow exhibition stand, guests had the opportunity to taste different tea blends and learn about the city’s tea traditions. Currently taking place in Moscow hotels and restaurants, this project offers visitors the chance to enjoy tea time sets featuring an array of jams and pastries between 16:00 and 19:00 daily.
According to Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, as well as Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, Moscow hosts over 350 cultural and entertainment events each day, catering to all audiences, including families with children. With its extensive range of gastronomic establishments, including restaurants serving Indian cuisine, and hotels developing tailored offers for Indian guests, Moscow ensures a convenient and enjoyable experience for Indian tourists. Additionally, tourist navigation in the city is comprehensively duplicated in foreign languages, further enhancing the comfort of the journey.
As part of the SATTE business program, the “Moscow +” project showcased interregional routes designed to meet the demands of foreign travelers, including those from India, who often seek to combine visits to several cities within one trip. As the country’s main transport hub, Moscow offers ready-made tourist packages that combine experiences in Moscow with other regions such as St. Petersburg, Tyumen, and the Moscow Region. Russian tour operators participating in the project discussed their package offers specifically tailored to the Indian tourist market.
At the exhibition, Moscow also presented a wide range of traditional souvenirs crafted by participants of the “Made in Moscow” project. Sixteen Moscow-based entrepreneurs brought goods in categories including grooming cosmetics, home fragrances, HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering/Café) products, children’s items, accessories, as well as vegetarian and vegan products, which captured the interest of Indian consumers.
The partnership between Moscow and India is thriving, encompassing both classic tourist trips and business tourism. Business visits have become increasingly popular among Indian travelers to Moscow. The Moscow City Tourism Committee shared successful experiences in organizing international conferences like the Meet Global MICE Congress, demonstrating Moscow’s potential in the field of business tourism.
The internationally acclaimed Gzhel theatre, known for its unique fusion of folk and ballroom dance, as well as classical ballet, also showcased its talent at the exhibition. The theatre is renowned worldwide and serves as a symbol of Moscow’s rich cultural traditions.
Moscow remains a top tourist destination in Russia, with visitor numbers soaring year after year. In 2023, a record-breaking 24.5 million tourists from various regions and countries visited the capital, marking a 37% increase compared to the previous year.
The city boasts almost 2,000 hotels, ensuring that every tourist finds suitable accommodation options. Cultural enthusiasts will also be delighted, with thousands of cultural sites spread across Moscow, including theaters, museums, and libraries. Iconic historical and cultural sites, such as the renowned VDNKh and the recently reopened Northern and Southern River stations, have undergone renovations and reconstructions, becoming major tourist attractions in their own right.
With over 19,000 food industry establishments, ranging from world-famous restaurants to accessible Moscow gastroclusters, the capital offers a diverse and exciting culinary scene. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the city from various vantage points, including the Moscow cable car, skyscrapers, observation platforms, and view restaurants.
Moreover, Moscow caters to families and children, providing numerous family-friendly attractions throughout the year. Notable highlights include the Moscow Zoo, one of Europe’s largest oceanariums, and Russia’s first indoor amusement park, Dream Island. The city boasts over 400 museums and over 1,000 excursions, including tailored walk-quests for parents and children. In recognition of its dedication to providing exceptional experiences for young travelers, Moscow was named the Capital of Children’s Tourism in 2023 and the Youth Capital for 2024.
As the SATTE exhibition continues, Moscow Tourism is excited to further engage with Indian visitors and strengthen the already flourishing relationship between the two nations.
