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Russia has set its sights on welcoming 50 million international visitors by 2025, launching a series of innovative measures to reinvigorate its tourism sector and attract global travelers.
Key strategies include visa-free entry, expanded airline connections, and a vibrant lineup of international events, all tailored to improve accessibility and spotlight the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Starting August 2024, travelers from 62 countries, including the UAE, Brazil, and South Africa, will enjoy visa-free access to Russia for limited durations.
Additionally, citizens from 55 nations can now apply for e-visas, granting stays of up to 16 days. These simplified entry processes aim to boost tourism and invite more visitors to discover Russia’s diverse attractions.
To enhance connectivity, Russia is collaborating with other nations to establish new direct flight routes. For instance, a route linking Sochi to Aktau, Kazakhstan, is slated to begin operations by late 2024.
Despite these advancements, challenges like aircraft shortages stemming from sanctions on the aviation sector persist.
Russia is also leveraging global events to showcase its tourism potential. Trade fairs such as the Otdykh Leisure Expo and the MITT exhibition are pivotal in promoting its offerings.
Additionally, sports events like the International Blind Football Tournament in December 2024 are further enhancing the country’s appeal to international visitors.
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, international tourism to Russia has faced a sharp decline, driven by sanctions, travel limitations, and heightened safety concerns. In 2019, Russia recorded 24.4 million international arrivals, but by 2023, this figure had plummeted, with some reports indicating a reduction of almost 50% compared to pre-conflict levels.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/russia-unveils-a-bold-vision-to-welcome-50-million-tourists-by-2025/
