World renowned for her rich cultural heritage, ornate cathedrals and subtropical beaches, Russia is a favored attraction for many people from India. News today of a new visa-regime to assist travelers via an e-visa program promises even more popularity.
Easing of visa restrictions by Russia is but one facet of a new initiative to lure more Indian tourists though. According to Valery Korvokin, Head of International Department of the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism, there’s also a plan to launch direct flights between Mumbai and Moscow. In addition, Korvokin told India Today:
“We are working on increasing the visibility of Russia in Indian media and TV. We are also working with our University officials to formulate Indian tourist friendly measures.”
With the 2018 FIFA World Cup around the corner, Russia touristic inflows are expected to increase exponentially, and India is one key touristic segment officials are focused on.
The number of Indian tourists traveling abroad has grown dramatically from 3.81 million in 1998 to some 18.33 million as of 2014, according to data from India’s Bureau of Immigration. What this means is that 1.5 per cent of the country’s population travels abroad every year. Not unlike China, India is seeing a growing middle class head out on trips abroad, which is only good news for destinations like Russia.