Maharashtra is looking to strengthen tourism ties with Russia, with discussions underway on improving air connectivity, joint promotions and cultural exchanges to boost visitor flows between the two regions.
Officials from the Maharashtra Tourism Department recently met representatives of the Russian Consulate in Mumbai to explore avenues for collaboration. A key proposal under consideration is the introduction of direct flights between Mumbai and St. Petersburg, aimed at enhancing accessibility for travellers and driving inbound tourism.
The two sides also discussed launching joint marketing campaigns to promote Maharashtra in the Russian market, while showcasing Russian destinations to Indian travellers. These initiatives are expected to be supported through structured government-to-government cooperation and tourism exchange programmes.
The engagement gains significance in the context of the upcoming 60th anniversary of sister-city ties between Mumbai and St. Petersburg in 2027, which is likely to serve as a catalyst for deeper cultural and tourism partnerships.
The move aligns with Maharashtra’s broader strategy to attract international tourists by leveraging its diverse offerings, including heritage sites, culture, cuisine and urban experiences. Improved connectivity, particularly direct air links, is seen as a critical factor in unlocking tourism potential from key source markets such as Russia.
The initiative also reflects the expanding scope of India–Russia relations, with tourism emerging as an important pillar of people-to-people engagement. If implemented, the proposed measures are expected to open new opportunities for bilateral tourism growth.