India’s Growing Presence in Moscow Tourism as High-End Hotel Bookings by Non-CIS Tourists Soar with Indian Visitors Leading the Charge

India’s growing presence in Moscow tourism is evident as high-end hotel bookings by non-CIS tourists surge, with Indian visitors taking the lead. This significant rise reflects Moscow’s growing appeal to Indian travelers, driven by its rich cultural heritage, vibrant urban offerings, and enhanced accessibility. With Indian tourists increasingly seeking luxury stays, the city is emerging as a key destination for high-end travel experiences.

In the first half of 2025, Moscow welcomed 40,800 Indian tourists, marking a remarkable 40% growth compared to the same period in 2024. India has now become the second-largest source of tourists among non-CIS countries visiting Moscow. Overall, more than 500,000 international travelers from outside the CIS visited Moscow between January and June 2025, reflecting a 10% increase year-on-year. The Moscow City Tourism Committee attributes this surge to the growing interest from Asian markets and Moscow’s increasing status as a global tourist hub.

This trend is also evident in the city’s hotel industry. According to Rosstat, foreign guest stays in Moscow’s hotels rose by 14% during the first seven months of 2025 compared to 2024. Data from the online booking platform Ostrovok further reveals that 94% of bookings for 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels this summer were made by non-CIS tourists, up from 85% in the previous year. Indian travelers are notably among the most frequent guests in Moscow’s high-end hotels.

Several factors are driving this influx of Indian tourists to Moscow. One of the key reasons is the introduction of e-visas, which have made travel more accessible by allowing Indian visitors to obtain a visa entirely online in just four days, without needing hotel confirmations or invitations. Additionally, Moscow’s vibrant event calendar, featuring a mix of major cultural festivals and business events, plays a significant role in attracting visitors from India.

For instance, during the “Summer in Moscow” project, two major events showcasing Indian culture were held: the International Day of Yoga and Bharat Utsav (The Festival of India in Moscow). These events reflect Moscow’s inclusive atmosphere and its deep cultural ties with India, further enhancing the city’s appeal to Indian tourists.

“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 format is particularly attractive because the festivities unfold right in the streets and parks—the very places where people gather in the summer.” – commented Ambassador of India to The Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vinay Kumar.

Moscow has rolled out several initiatives aimed at attracting Indian tourists, such as the Indian Vibes in Moscow guide, which provides valuable information on hotels, dining options, and landmarks connected to India.

A key focus of Moscow’s strategy is fostering strong, long-term relationships with the global tourism industry. The Moscow City Tourism Committee actively participates in major travel exhibitions in India, including OTM, SATTE, BLTM, and the MILT Congress. Additionally, the city hosts business missions and organizes familiarization trips to Moscow for travel professionals. These efforts have significantly raised the city’s profile within the tourism industry. A major highlight was the OTOAI Convention 2025, which marked the first time this event was held in Russia. It brought together over 250 Indian tour operators, media, and travel experts, offering them an in-depth look at Moscow’s tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and cultural offerings. Looking ahead, Moscow plans to further solidify its position in the Indian market through high-profile events, including the Meet Global MICE Congress 2025, while continuing to strengthen partnerships to make the city more accessible and appealing to Indian visitors.

India’s growing presence in Moscow tourism is marked by a sharp rise in high-end hotel bookings, with Indian visitors leading the charge. As Moscow’s cultural and urban attractions gain popularity, more affluent Indian travelers are choosing the city for luxurious stays. This trend highlights Moscow’s appeal as a top destination for non-CIS tourists, especially those from India.

Building on these initiatives, Moscow is on track for continued growth in international tourism. In 2024, the city welcomed 26 million visitors, contributing 235 billion rubles (~2.65 billion USD) to the economy. By 2030, Moscow aims to attract up to six million international tourists annually, with a significant share of this growth coming from travelers from India, China, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Middle East.

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