Moscow becomes main destination for foreign tourists this summer
Russian capital remains top destination as inbound tourism shows strong growth
Moscow is set to be a major draw for international tourists this summer, as early booking data reveals a continuing upward trend. Overall bookings for Russian accommodation for the summer season 2025 have increased by 10 per cent compared to last year, with Moscow accounting for half of all foreign tourist bookings nationwide. This is reported by the official website of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
Alongside Moscow, St Petersburg, Vladivostok, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Sochi, Irkutsk, Volgograd, Novosibirsk, and Nizhny Novgorod have emerged as popular destinations for international visitors, offering a diverse range of cultural and historical experiences.
"Inbound tourism is a crucial driver of the economy," noted a representative from the Ministry of Economic Development.
Experts believe that in order to maintain this dynamic, it is vital to meet the special needs of international travellers, including convenient transfers, guided tours in their native languages, and culturally sensitive services. This will encourage hotel service providers and restaurants to raise service standards, which will ultimately enhance the country's competitiveness on the global stage.
The bulk of inbound tourism to Moscow this summer originates from nations including Belarus, India, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Several factors are contributing to the growth in international tourism to Russia. Recent visa relaxations with Oman and the imminent launch of direct flights with Saudi Arabia are expected to boost visitor numbers further. Simplified visa procedures and improved transport links are key drivers of inbound tourism growth.
Photo: iStock / scaliger
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