On February 3, 2025, the Moscow City Tourism Committee organized a distinguished gala dinner in New Delhi, bringing together over 170 key partners, including prominent associations such as the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), MICE agencies, tour operators, travel agents, government officials, and media representatives.

The event underscored the deepening collaboration between India and Moscow in the tourism and business sectors, aligning with Moscow’s strategic focus on the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

Cultural Highlights and Entertainment

Guests were welcomed with the traditional “Moscow Tea Time,” setting a warm and authentic tone for the evening.

The renowned ‘Rusy’ dance troupe delivered captivating performances, blending Russian folk songs with contemporary choreography, showcasing Moscow’s rich cultural heritage.

The evening also featured an elaborate spread of cuisines and extraordinary lucky draw prizes generously offered by Moscow’s travel and MICE industry.

Distinguished Delegates and Addresses

The gala was graced by esteemed delegates, including Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai; Dr. Elena Remizova, Head of Rossotrudnichestvo in India and Director of the Russian House in New Delhi; and Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee.

In his address, Evgeny Kozlov emphasized India’s significance as a top focus market and highlighted the growing popularity of the hassle-free e-visa among Indian travelers, noting a 1.4-fold increase in 2024 compared to 2023, with over 61,000 visits in the first nine months.

He stated, “Moscow is a modern capital of business tourism, boasting world-class infrastructure, including cutting-edge congress and exhibition venues, over 22,000 dining establishments, and advanced technological services.

The Moscow City Tourism Committee reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth of India’s MICE industry and enhancing our bilateral relationship through continued engagements and partnerships.”

Adding to the occasion, Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI, commented, “Moscow is a safe and culturally rich destination.

With the simplified visa process, we expect a significant rise in travel interest from India to Moscow.

We anticipate 2025 to be a successful year for India’s outbound travel market to this vibrant city, and at OTOAI, we look forward to fostering collaboration and supporting its growth.”

Moscow’s Commitment to Tourism Development

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is a sectoral executive body of the Russian capital that implements city policy on the development and regulation of tourism and hospitality.

With a strategic focus on branding Moscow as a premier tourist destination both domestically and globally, the Committee is dedicated to enhancing the city’s allure. In 2023, Moscow attracted 2.3 million foreign tourists, predominantly from key markets like India, China, CIS countries, and the Middle East.

To strengthen international ties, the Russian capital organizes business missions, showcases its tourism potential at industry exhibitions, and launches legislative initiatives, events, and image projects aimed at foreign tourists, such as the Moscow MICE Ambassadors program in India.

This gala dinner exemplifies Moscow’s proactive approach to fostering international partnerships and its commitment to positioning the city as a premier destination for Indian business and leisure travelers.

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