Indian Tourist Arrivals to Moscow Surge 40% in 2025

Moscow has witnessed a remarkable surge in Indian travellers, welcoming 40.8 thousand tourists from India in the first half of 2025 a significant 40% increase compared to the same period last year. India has now become the second-largest non-CIS country in terms of tourist arrivals, marking a milestone in the growing travel relationship between the two nations.

Between January and June 2025, over half a million travelers from outside the CIS visited Moscow, representing a 10% year-on-year rise. According to the Moscow City Tourism Committee, this growth is driven by increasing interest from Asian markets and the capital’s expanding appeal as a global cultural and tourism destination.

Strong Growth in Hotel Stays and Premium Travel Demand

This positive momentum is mirrored in Moscow’s hospitality sector. Data from Rosstat shows that foreign guest stays in Moscow hotels increased by 14% during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the previous year.

Further insights from the booking platform Ostrovok highlight a shift in travel patterns:

• 94% of summer hotel bookings (across 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels) were from non-CIS travelers
• This marks a rise from 85% last year
• Indian tourists led the demand in the premium accommodation segment, underlining their growing preference for upscale hospitality experiences

Improved Accessibility and Events Fueling Tourist Interest

One of the major factors boosting tourism is Moscow’s increased accessibility for Indian travellers. The introduction of e-visas, which allow visitors to obtain entry visas fully online within just four days, has simplified travel. The process requires no invitations or hotel confirmations, making it convenient and hassle-free.

Moscow’s vibrant calendar of festivals, cultural showcases, and international events further enhances its global appeal. As part of the “Summer in Moscow” initiative, the city hosted two major events celebrating Indian culture:

• International Day of Yoga
• Bharat Utsav (The Festival of India in Moscow)

These cultural celebrations have strengthened the emotional and cultural ties between India and Russia, drawing more Indian travellers to the city.

Cultural and Diplomatic Support Enhancing Tourism Growth

H.E. Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation, emphasized the role of cultural initiatives in shaping Moscow’s international image. He said: “Initiatives like ‘Summer in Moscow’ enrich the city’s cultural life and help showcase how welcoming Moscow is. These events give tourists and foreign delegations an opportunity to discover the city not only through its landmarks but also through its people, public spaces, and cultural diversity.”

This endorsement highlights the city’s commitment to fostering inclusive cultural experiences for global travelers.

Strengthening India–Moscow Relations Through Tourism Initiatives

To provide Indian tourists with smoother and more personalized travel experiences, Moscow has introduced several India-focused initiatives. The Indian Vibes in Moscow guide offers curated information on:

• Hotels
• Gastronomy
• India-related attractions
• Cultural landmarks

The Moscow City Tourism Committee continues to collaborate actively with India’s tourism ecosystem through participation in major industry events such as OTM, SATTE, BLTM, and MILT Congress. It also organizes business missions and familiarization trips to promote long-term partnerships.

A notable highlight was the OTOAI Convention 2025, held for the first time in Russia. The event gathered over 250 Indian tour operators, media professionals, and travel experts, enabling them to explore Moscow’s cultural richness and hospitality firsthand.