Moscow Marks World Tourism Day, Welcomes Indian Tourists

Moscow Prepares to Celebrate World Tourism Day, Highlights Growing Indian Visitor Numbers

Moscow, one of Russia’s top tourist destinations, is set to celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27. Each year, the city enhances its tourism infrastructure, improves visitor services, and expands its tourism potential.

In the first quarter of 2025, approximately 18,000 Indian travellers visited Moscow, which is 1.5 times more than in the same period in 2024. The introduction of direct daily flights between Delhi and Moscow has significantly contributed to the steady increase in Indian visitors to the city.

Cultural Events Strengthen India-Russia Ties

Moscow regularly hosts cultural events reflecting the long-standing ties between India and Russia. This summer, the Festival of India, Bharat Utsav, took place on Manezhnaya Square as part of the “Summer in Moscow” project. Visitors participated in yoga sessions, Hindi lessons, classical dance workshops, Bollywood-themed activities, food tastings, henna art, sari draping, and traditional Indian crafts.

The annual Yoga Day, organized by the Indian Embassy in Moscow, continues to draw active participation. In 2025, the event at Michurinsky Garden VDNH brought together over 15 yoga schools and thousands of attendees. Yoga classes are also included in Moscow’s Sports Weekends program, while the city hosted its second International Meditation Day this year.

The “India Day” festival celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2025 at the landscaped “Dream Island” Park, attracting large numbers of participants with performances, markets, Holi celebrations, and culinary events.

Indian Culture in Moscow’s Daily Life

Indian influences can also be seen in Moscow’s dining scene, where restaurants and cafes serve Indian and vegetarian cuisine across the city,  from fine-dining establishments to casual food markets.

According to data from the Moscow City Tourism Committee, nearly half of international visitors to the city last year indicated their intention to return. India currently ranks second among distant countries in terms of tourist flow to Moscow. The city’s travel connections, visa processes, and cultural familiarity continue to make it an appealing destination for Indian travellers.