The Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, has held talks with representatives from the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai to strengthen tourism cooperation between the Indian state and Russia. The meeting, led by Mangesh Joshi, Director of the Directorate of Tourism, focused on enhancing bilateral visitor flows, improving air connectivity, and establishing long-term collaboration through Government-to-Government initiatives.
Direct air service and joint promotions on the table
A key outcome of the discussions was a proposal from the Russian side to launch a direct air service between Mumbai and St. Petersburg. If realised, the route would significantly reduce travel time and open new opportunities for leisure and business travel between the two cities. The Russian delegation also proposed joint tourism promotion initiatives, including a destination showcase in Mumbai during a planned visit by a St. Petersburg delegation in September 2026.
St. Petersburg, a city renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cultural offerings, was highlighted as a prime destination for Indian travellers. The Russian side noted growing interest among Russian tourists in Asian destinations, positioning Maharashtra as a key market for future growth.
Mangesh Joshi expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, "The Maharashtra Tourism Department is committed to expanding Maharashtra's global tourism partnerships through sustained Government-to-Government engagement. We welcome the proposals put forward by the Russian delegation and look forward to working together on initiatives such as destination promotion, improved air connectivity and tourism exchanges."
The initiatives are expected to strengthen the international promotion of tourism destinations in both Maharashtra and Russia, enhancing the longstanding relationship between Mumbai and St. Petersburg, which will mark 60 years as sister cities in 2027.
For travel professionals, the potential direct air service between Mumbai and St. Petersburg could reshape itineraries for both leisure and MICE segments. Airlines such as Air India and Aeroflot may consider the route, which would complement existing connectivity via hubs like Dubai and Istanbul. Hoteliers in Maharashtra and St. Petersburg could see increased demand from cross-border travellers, particularly for cultural tourism packages.
The meeting also touched on the broader context of India–Russia tourism ties. In recent years, Russian outbound travel to India has grown, with destinations like Goa and Kerala already popular. Maharashtra, home to Mumbai's financial and entertainment districts, as well as UNESCO sites like the Ajanta and Ellora caves, offers a diverse product for Russian tourists. Similarly, St. Petersburg's appeal to Indian travellers—from its imperial palaces to its ballet and canal cruises—could be amplified through joint marketing campaigns.
Travel agents and tour operators should monitor developments closely. If the direct flight materialises, it could enable more efficient tour packages combining Mumbai and St. Petersburg, possibly extending to other Russian cities or Indian states. The September 2026 destination showcase in Mumbai will be a key event for networking and product familiarisation.
This collaboration aligns with broader trends in the travel industry, where destinations are increasingly using sister-city relationships to drive tourism. For example, Türkiye's Antalya region has reopened restored Lycian sites to boost heritage tourism, while the silver tourism market nears $1.9 trillion as destinations improve accessibility. Maharashtra and Russia's efforts could also benefit from digital innovation partnerships similar to those seen in other markets.
The Maharashtra Tourism Department's proactive approach in engaging with foreign consulates signals a strategic shift towards more structured bilateral tourism agreements. For industry stakeholders, this represents an opportunity to participate in early-stage planning and to align their offerings with emerging demand.
