Russia's Hidden Gems Take Center Stage in New Delhi
New Delhi, November 2
Russia wants Indian travellers to look past its famous capital and iconic cities. At an expert validation session held at the Russian House in New Delhi, four newer Russian regions presented their tourism products to India's travel and hospitality industry as part of the 'Open Your Russia 2.0 Inbound Tourism Development Programme'.
The initiative, organised by the Centre for Strategic Research together with Rosotrudnichestvo, is designed to reveal a different side of the country. Alongside well-known destinations, the regions highlight eco-trails, wildlife sanctuaries and natural attractions that remain largely unexplored by visitors from India.
Alexandra Usacheva, Deputy CEO of the Centre for Strategic Research, said Russia and India share a long and close friendship, though tourism ties have not developed to the same degree. She said the presence of the regional delegations was meant to promote Russia as a tourist destination and to show that Indian visitors can choose from many places beyond Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Payal Swami, Assistant Secretary General of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India, called the initiative highly praiseworthy. She said hospitality is not restricted by region or borders, and that India, a country that values guest hospitality, is well placed to welcome such efforts. She added that the 2.0 initiative supports both tourists and the hospitality industry.
Subhash Goyal, Chairman of STIC Travels and of the Aviation and Tourism Expert Committee of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, said the event brought together tourism industry representatives from both countries with the shared aim of expanding travel between them. He observed that Russia is the largest country in the world and described the four regions on show as very beautiful.
Anupam Vohra, Moscow MICE Ambassador and Vice President of the Association of Hospitality Professionals Welfare (India), said the delegates had come to showcase the variety of destinations within Russia. He said that even if tourists decide against visiting a conflict-affected area, they can still explore other parts of the country, which has many natural wonders and attractions worth seeing.
Alexander Dodonov, Head of the Rosotrudnichestvo Representative Office in India, said the four regions had arrived at the Russian House to find partners in the Indian market. He said he was sure many new connections would be established, and that members of the Indian tourism industry had come to discuss how travel between the two countries can grow.
Alexandra Verbitskaya, Chief Specialist of the International Cooperation Department at the Foreign Relations Committee of the Leningrad Region, said Russians enjoy spending time outdoors. She explained that eco-trails are equipped so tourists do not sink into swamps, and that they offer chances to watch birds in their natural surroundings. She added that the region's wildlife sanctuaries are closely monitored, including bird populations and other wildlife. She said these trails let visitors enjoy nature and discover a new Russia without travelling far, which she called the key advantage.