Moscow continues to captivate Middle Eastern travelers with an array of captivating initiatives and improved accessibility. Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, underscores the pivotal role of the Middle East in Moscow’s thriving tourism sector. Their unwavering dedication involves fostering collaboration between local and international businesses.
In an ambitious bid to attract more tourists, the Moscow City Tourism Committee has successfully organized eight business missions in as many countries and four familiarization trips to Moscow since the beginning of this year. Over 100 companies from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have enthusiastically participated in these events. These activities have fostered meaningful connections between Moscow and Middle Eastern tourism industries, ultimately leading to a significant increase in reciprocal tourist flows.
The months of September and October witnessed the arrival of around 40 representatives from travel companies in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia embarking on a comprehensive familiarization trip to Moscow. During their visit, they explored Moscow’s extensive tourism potential and engaged in numerous business discussions with their local counterparts. Additionally, they were introduced to the “Moscow+” program, which not only showcases the charm of Moscow but also provides access to other captivating Russian cities, including Kazan and various destinations in the Moscow region. Moscow’s status as the central transportation hub of the nation ensures convenient access to nearby suburbs, where visitors can explore magnificent monasteries and fortresses in Sergiev Posad, Kolomna, and Zvenigorod. For those seeking greater adventure, high-speed trains offer a swift journey to St. Petersburg, Russia’s “northern” capital, celebrated for its White Nights.
Experts in the tourism industry from the Middle East have expressed their admiration for Moscow’s countryside infrastructure, which includes a wide array of spa complexes, elegant estates, golf clubs, and ethnoparks. Winter tourism holds a unique and unforgettable appeal for Middle Eastern travelers, particularly during the New Year holidays when Moscow undergoes a breathtaking transformation, captivating visitors of all ages.
Traveling from the Middle East to Moscow has become increasingly convenient with over 100 flights connecting the United Arab Emirates and Moscow. Moreover, there are regular flight connections to countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and other Middle Eastern nations. In a significant development, Russia introduced e-visas for citizens of 55 countries in August, including Middle Eastern states. These e-visas, valid for 60 days from the date of issue, provide tourists with a 16-day stay in Russia. Russia is also actively exploring the possibility of abolishing tourist visas for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait by 2024. Already, citizens of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar enjoy a visa-free regime for travel to Moscow.