Moscow aims to attract over 50 million tourists annually by 2030

Moscow is set to expand its tourism sector, with projections to more than double its annual visitor numbers to over 50 million by 2030, according to Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee.

Speaking at a media gathering in Dubai, Nurmukhanov highlighted the rapid rise in visitors from the Gulf region, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, as reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

He noted that the number of Emirati tourists visiting Moscow has surged dramatically, reaching over 40,000 in the first nine months of last year, an eightfold increase from 2022, when the figure stood at just 5,000.

Nurmukhanov underscored Moscow’s strategic focus on strengthening ties with the Middle East, positioning the UAE as a key market for inbound tourism. He emphasised that the city is committed to welcoming more visitors from the region and ensuring they experience Moscow as a prime travel destination.

Moscow’s tourism development plans align with the broader vision set by the city’s leadership. Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has outlined targets to elevate Moscow’s status as a global travel hub, aiming to attract over 50 million tourists per year by the end of the decade.

Efforts to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are also a priority.

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is working to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors, ensuring long-term growth in tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.

Photo: iStock