The tourism sector globally is watching Russia’s strategic push to attract more foreign visitors by 2030. Proposals under consideration aim to lift the number of international trips to Russia to 16 million annually, signaling a broader plan to rejuvenate the country’s travel industry. These proposals were outlined in a recent government session and reported by RBC, citing discussions held on August 29 during a strategic tourism meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The first set of proposals centers on easing aviation rules. The current framework imposes what are described as “equality rules,” agreeing to reciprocal flight arrangements among contracting countries, and the “open skies” approach that allows foreign carriers to operate routes serving third countries. The plan also calls for reduced fees for foreign airlines accessing Russian airspace for tourist charters, potentially lowering the price of travel to Russia for international visitors. This shift could influence travel itineraries from Canada and the United States by expanding direct and convenient access, improving flight frequency, and creating more economic options for travelers. (Source: RBC)
A second cluster targets visa policy reform. The proposal suggests lifting a moratorium on unilateral visa facilitation, streamlining the e-visa application process, and cutting visa fees. Simplifying entry procedures is commonly associated with boosts in inbound tourism, and for Canadian and American travelers, this could translate into shorter wait times and lower upfront costs when planning trips to Russia. (Source: RBC)
The third area envisions a more digital-friendly payment environment. By the end of 2023, a virtual “tourist card” linked to the Mir payment system is expected to be available, alongside the expansion of acceptance points for external payment services such as Union Pay, WeChat, and Alipay. In practice, this means more convenient payment options for travelers from North America, reducing friction during purchases and hotel stays, and simplifying currency handling for trips to Russia. (Source: RBC)
Officials presented a long-range forecast suggesting substantial growth in tourism by 2030. The target is to nearly double overall tourist visits within the country, reaching about 140 million trips per year. This figure encompasses both domestic travelers and foreign visitors, with the foreign share projected to rise to around 16 million trips annually. If realized, this would mark a fivefold increase in foreign tourism to Russia, signaling a major shift in the global travel landscape and a potential impact on regional travel networks that connect North America with Eurasia. (Source: RBC)
Historical data shows a notable rise in foreign tourist activity during the first half of 2023, with the Federal Security Service recording 187,800 visits by foreigners in January through June. By comparison, 2019 saw around 2 million foreign tourist visits in the whole year, illustrating the scale of change being contemplated by the new policy framework. Analysts watching the tourism market in Canada and the United States may interpret these figures as indicative of Russia’s ambition to re-establish itself as a major international destination, even as global travel dynamics continue to shift. (Source: FSB)
Another facet of the broader plan involves increasing public expenditure on tourism. The government has signaled an approximate 1.5-fold rise in tourism-related budget allocations, underscoring a sustained commitment to infrastructure, services, and promotional activities designed to attract more international travelers. For North American travelers, this could translate into enhanced visitor experiences, improved transport links, and more robust hospitality offerings over the coming years. (Source: Government briefings)
As the discussion unfolds, the implications for travelers from Canada and the United States hinge on how quickly these policy measures are implemented and how effectively they translate into tangible travel conveniences. Experts suggest that the combination of eased aviation access, streamlined visa procedures, broader payment acceptance, and targeted infrastructure investments could make international trips to Russia more practical and appealing. Yet, continued monitoring of regulatory changes, currency considerations, and geopolitical factors will shape the pace and scale of foreign tourism growth in the region in the years ahead. (Source: RBC)