The number of foreign tourists visiting Russia is planned to double in the next six years

The press service of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation reported that by 2030, representatives of the tourism industry and government authorities plan to double the number of foreign tourists visiting Russia. The target is 16 million people.

In particular, the mechanism for issuing a single electronic visa, available for 55 countries, as well as visa-free group tours to Russia for Chinese and Iranian citizens, contributes to stimulating inbound tourism. A similar agreement with India is currently being prepared for signing.

Nikita Kondratiev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, said that at the moment the complete abolition of visas with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia and Myanmar is being worked out.

The restoration of direct flights with 40 countries also contributes to the development of inbound tourism. This year, it is planned to launch direct flights to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Indonesia and the Philippines. There are also plans to expand the route network with China and Vietnam.

In addition, a program to promote the Russian tourism brand will be launched this year. Already, with the participation of the regions, a single calendar, brand has been compiled, and ways and channels of promotion have been identified.

"The promotion of the tourism potential of the regions will be carried out through the cultural component, creative industries and gastronomy, with the help of social networks and modern digital tools," the message says.

"Based on marketing research, uniform standards for adapting the tourism industry to the needs of target countries are being developed for the regions, as well as the presentation of the tourist code and products, taking into account the current portrait of tourists in these countries," the press service noted.