Moscow Tourism is taking part in the largest international travel and tourism trade fair SATTE (South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange) that is taking place in Greater Noida, NCR, India from February 22-24. The delegation is one of the largest at the event: it includes representatives of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, the Made in Moscow project team, and other representatives of the city’s tourism industry.
Representatives of the Moscow City Tourism Committee took part in several business sessions and presented the capital’s flagship projects during the first day of the event on February 22. For example, during the discussion on cultural heritage, the tourism committee highlighted about the Moscow Estates festival, which has already gained popularity among foreign tourists last summer and this winter.
Moscow is among the world leaders in terms of the number of historical mansions. More than two thousand architectural monuments have been restored in Moscow over 12 years. The festival allows guests to immerse themselves in the history of manors through theatrical tours, master classes and other unusual events. This interactive format of studying cultural heritage is especially suitable for children and young people. Visitors to the festival, including tourists, appreciate the recreated atmosphere and the opportunity to take beautiful photographs.
Another flagship project of the capital is Moscow Tea Time. At Moscow exhibition stand guests can taste tea blends and learn about the Moscow tea traditions. The project takes place right now in Moscow hotels and restaurants. Every day from 16:00 to 19:00, visitors can try different tea time sets, offering a variety of jams and pastries.
“Moscow hosts over 350 colourful cultural and entertainment events every day, which are suitable for both young people and families with children. Business travellers are united through international forums and congresses. For Indian tourists, Moscow is not only a city of impressions, but also a convenient metropolis for travelling. We have more than 19,000 gastronomic establishments, including restaurants serving Indian cuisine. Hotels are developing offers specifically for guests from India, and tourist navigation is duplicated in foreign languages, which makes the trip even more comfortable,” – said Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee.
As part of the SATTE business programme, interregional routes of the “Moscow +” project were presented. Foreign travellers, including guests from India, often seek to combine visits to several cities in one trip. That is why the capital as a transport hub, from where travellers most often start their journeys around the country, demonstrated ready-made tourist offers combining Moscow and other regions: St. Petersburg, Tyumen, Moscow Region. Russian tour operators – participants of the project –discussed their package offers for the Indian tourist market.
Moscow is a recognised centre of commerce and offers a wide range of shops and brands. At the exhibition, the city presented a rich assortment of traditional souvenirs made by participants of the “Made in Moscow” project. Sixteen Moscow entrepreneurs brought goods in various categories: grooming cosmetics, home fragrances, HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering/Café), children’s products, accessories, as well as vegetarian and vegan products, which were of particular interest to Indian consumers.
Cooperation between Moscow and India is developing rapidly –both in the sphere of classic tourist trips and business tourism. Business visits have become one of the most popular purposes of trips from India to Moscow. Representatives of the Moscow City Tourism Committee talked about the opportunities of Moscow within the framework of business tourism. For example, the Moscow City Tourism Committee shared the successful experience of organising the international conference Meet Global MICE Congress in the field of business tourism in the Russian capital.
The Gzhel theatre, which is rightfully a visiting card of Moscow, also performed at the exhibition. It is a unique dance company that combines folk and ballroom dance, as well as classical ballet in its repertoire. “Gzhel” successfully tours all over the world, introducing the audience to the bright folk traditions.