Surge of Indian Tourists Makes India the Second-Largest Source Market for Moscow in First Half of 2025

Indian Tourists Flock to Moscow in Growing Numbers

In the first half of 2025, Moscow saw a remarkable increase in visits from Indian travellers, making India the second-largest non-CIS source market for the Russian capital. With 40,800 Indian visitors setting foot in the city between January and June, this figure marks a significant 40% rise year-on-year. This surge underscores Moscow’s growing magnetism among Asian travellers, boosted by convenient travel entry and vibrant cultural connections.

Key Drivers Behind the Growth

Several factors contribute to this upward trend. A streamlined e-visa program facilitates easy access for Indian tourists, requiring no invitation or hotel bookings for application, which can be completed online in just four days. Moscow’s lively calendar of cultural and business events also attracts visitors keen to enjoy festivals such as the International Day of Yoga and Bharat Utsav – celebrations that strengthen cultural bonds.

Another aspect is the thriving hotel sector, with Indian tourists leading in premium accommodation bookings. Recent data revealed a 14% increase in foreign guests checking into Moscow hotels in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the previous year, with nearly 94% of summer bookings at 3- to 5-star hotels made by non-CIS travellers, among whom Indians are notably active.

Exploring Cultural Connection Initiatives

Initiatives like the “Summer in Moscow” urban project bring Indian culture directly to the heart of the city through street festivals and public events. These celebrations offer visitors a chance to experience Moscow’s charm beyond landmarks – immersing in its public spaces and diverse communities. A special guide, Indian Vibes in Moscow, has been developed to showcase India-related attractions alongside hotel and dining recommendations, easing trip planning for Indian tourists.

Engagement with the Indian Travel Industry

The Moscow City Tourism Committee maintains strong outreach efforts through participation in major Indian travel trade events such as OTM and SATTE. It facilitates business missions and familiarisation trips aimed at enhancing Moscow’s appeal to Indian tourism professionals. A milestone event was the 2025 OTOAI Convention, hosted in Russia for the first time, gathering over 250 Indian tour operators and media to experience Moscow’s hospitality and infrastructure firsthand.

Vaikutukset taksi- ja kuljetuspalveluihin

The rise in Indian visitors also signals important trends for the taxi and transfer sector in Moscow. Demand for personalized, reliable transfers, especially to and from the airport and luxury hotels, is increasing. Platforms like LocalsRide.com cater perfectly to these needs by offering users a transparent way to choose vehicles, including luxury sedans or spacious multi-seaters, and view details such as car make, model, driver ratings, and estimated fares before booking.

India’s tourism growth highlights the importance of seamless, customer-centric transfer services that enhance the overall travel experience. Whether for business visitors attending conferences or holidaymakers exploring cultural events, reliable transportation makes all the difference in navigating a bustling city like Moscow.

Looking to the Future: Moscow’s Ambitious Tourism Goals

Moscow recorded 26 million visitors in 2024, generating almost USD 2.65 billion in budget revenues. With continued momentum, the city targets welcoming up to six million international tourists annually by 2030. India, alongside other Asian markets such as China and the Asia-Pacific region, plays a pivotal role in this plan. Upcoming large-scale events like the Meet Global MICE Congress 2025 aim to deepen Moscow’s visibility and accessibility among Indian travellers.

The Big Picture for Tourists and Transfers

Despite the encouraging statistics and glowing recommendations, no review or rating can replace the value of personal experience. On platforms like LocalsRide, travellers can hire verified vehicles with experienced drivers at affordable prices. This empowers visitors to choose from a wide range of cars and options, ensuring a smooth journey from arrival to departure without the frustration of hidden costs. The combination of convenience, transparency, and affordability offered here makes it an excellent choice for anyone navigating new cities.

Varaa nyt kanssa LocalsRide.com to benefit from an extensive fleet and easy-to-compare fare prices for the perfect ride.

Yhteenveto

India’s leap to become Moscow’s second-largest non-CIS source of tourists this first half of 2025 highlights evolving travel patterns driven by simplified visa procedures, cultural exchanges, and booming business ties. The city’s hospitality sector enjoys the benefits, especially from Indian tourists opting for premium accommodations. These developments have ripple effects on the taxi and transfer industry, where personalized and transparent services like those provided by LocalsRide become critical. With plans to elevate international arrivals substantially by 2030, Moscow continues to cement its status as a vibrant global destination for travellers from India and beyond.

LocalsRide.com backs this trend by offering a user-friendly platform where travellers can choose exact cars or limousines from verified providers, access clear fare prices and detailed driver information, and book hassle-free transfers to any city or airport. Such transparency and convenience align perfectly with today’s traveller’s expectations, making LocalsRide a reliable companion for exploring new destinations worldwide.