Open Your Russia 2.0: Big Push to Boost India-Russia Tourism and Trade
India and Russia aim to boost tourism and trade through the Open Your Russia 2.0 initiative, focusing on connectivity and hotel investments.
The 'Open Your Russia 2.0' initiative has set the stage for a significant leap in bilateral ties between India and Russia. Hosted at the Russia House in New Delhi, the programme aims to strengthen tourism, encourage cultural exchanges, and drive mutual investments between the two nations.
Industry Leaders Hail the Initiative
Payal Swami, the Assistant Secretary General of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), praised the programme as a "great initiative" that focuses on a booming sector. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Swami emphasized that the dialogue is crucial for cultural development and for inviting investments in Russian products and services, while simultaneously encouraging Russian visitors to explore India.
She highlighted that while the existing ties are strong, improving connectivity across various modes of transport will be the key to ensuring these relations move forward in a "booming manner."
The Call for an 'Open Sky Policy'
While political relations remain robust, tourism experts believe there is significant room for growth. Subhash Goyal, Chairman of STIC Travels and Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce Aviation and Tourism Expert Committee, has called for the implementation of an open sky policy between India and Russia.
Goyal argues that such a policy could be a game-changer, predicting a massive 50 to 100 per cent increase in both trade and tourism within just two years. He noted that while political bonds are great, the tourism perspective requires urgent improvement, primarily through enhanced air connectivity.
Addressing the Connectivity Gap
The challenge of limited flights was echoed by Anupam Vohra, the Moscow MICE (Moscow City Tourism Committee) Ambassador. Vohra pointed out the current scarcity of direct travel options, noting that there are only about five direct flights operating from Delhi to Moscow.
He further mentioned that flights from Mumbai to Moscow, which existed previously, are currently unavailable or cancelled. According to Vohra, resolving these transport hurdles is essential for any meaningful increase in tourist exchanges.
Strategic Next Steps and Investments
To tackle these challenges, several strategic moves are in motion:
- Joint Working Group: Discussions are planned with the Director General of Tourism of the Government of India to establish a joint working group dedicated to tourism.
- Transport Solutions: Efforts are being made to address the current air connectivity issues.
- Hotel Sector Investment: In a promising development, the Russian government is actively seeking to increase Indian investment within Russia's hotel industry.
A Collaborative Effort for Growth
The 'Open Your Russia 2.0' programme is an inbound tourism development initiative implemented by the Center for Strategic Research (CSR), with support from the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
Recognizing India as a priority international market, several Russian regions—including the Tver Region, Sverdlovsk Region, Leningrad Region, and the Republic of Karelia—presented specific recommendations to increase their footprint among Indian tourists. The event served as a vital bridge, bringing together Russian tourism representatives and Indian professionals to unlock new opportunities for growth.