Russia plans to promote its tourism abroad under a single brand called Discover Russia. This was announced at the Mitt international tourism fair by Nikita Kondratyev, who heads the department of multilateral economic cooperation and special projects. TASS reported.
Kondratyev outlined a goal to double international visitors from 8 million to 16 million within six years, highlighting a strong push to grow inbound tourism across the country.
He noted that tourism could nearly double its contribution to Russia’s GDP by 2030. The plan includes a broad push for domestic tourism, expanding hotels and resorts, and offering privileged loans and subsidies through Mitt-2024 to energize the sector.
The strategy emphasizes a comprehensive approach to inbound tourism: simplifying entry, ensuring comfortable accommodations, robust marketing, and the creation of a unified tourist code for Russia, its regions, and attractions. In 2023, e-visa and visa-free tours were launched to 55 countries, including China and Iran, with preparations underway for India. The six-month visitation reached 300,000 guests.
There is active work toward a visa-free regime with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Kondratyev stated that flights with these countries would continue in 2023, with expansion planned to China and Vietnam. The country previously lacked a broad visa-free framework with China, which is now a priority in the broader tourism strategy.
Analysts point to a wake-up call in the Turkish tourism sector as a reminder of the competitive landscape and the need for a cohesive, traveler-friendly national tourism approach. The Discover Russia initiative aims to position the nation as an accessible, diversified destination that appeals to both leisure travelers and business visitors alike, leveraging new visa policies and targeted marketing to unlock growth across major global markets.
Overall, the Mitt-2024 agenda signals a multi-pronged effort: simplifying visa procedures, expanding flight routes, boosting regional tourism infrastructure, and creating a recognizable brand that helps international travelers understand what Russia offers. By aligning policy, financing, and marketing, the country seeks to attract more visitors while promoting domestic travel and investment in hospitality, transport, and experiences across its many regions.