In 2023, there was a 3.5% increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting the Russian Federation compared to 2022, despite the ongoing war with Ukraine. The growth is expected to continue this year, and experts predict that by 2030, the number of foreign tourists will return to the pre-pandemic level of 2019, which was 16 million.
Visitors from India and other Asian countries are interested in exploring the country. Experts emphasize that sustainable tourism involves exploring protected natural areas and small nations' cultures and immersing oneself in the authentic experiences that a particular location can offer.
Russia is currently taking steps to make its various regions appealing to tourists. Authorities plan to showcase the achievements and introduce new attractions in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all over the country. This includes exploring the whales in Chukotka, discovering the dolphins and snow in Sochi, admiring the volcanoes in Kamchatka, and experiencing the healing springs in Mineral Waters, among others.
Russia is prepared to welcome foreign tourists with more than a million hotel rooms, over 200 certified beaches, more than 250 ski resorts with over 500 km of ski slopes, 53 national tourist routes, ten special economic zones, 4,300 tour operators, and more than a million qualified workers in the hospitality industry.
Russia's top six markets for inbound tourism are India, China, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. This is due to friendly relations and easy connections, which make them accessible even for a short break.
Experts have also noted that to avoid travel issues, the Russian Federation introduced a group visa-free regime for citizens of China and Iran in August 2023. This policy has proven effective, with almost 200 thousand people using it in five months. India is next in line to benefit from this policy, as the agreement formulated by the Russian side is currently under consideration by the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.