Late last year, the government announced multi-billion dollar plans to improve infrastructure, train specialists and launch a major advertising campaign to attract tourists to Russia. This year, Moscow City Hall has taken the initiative with its own international advertising and promotional program.
Despite being home to some of world's greatest attractions, including like the Kremlin and Bolshoi Theater, Moscow has not attracted huge numbers of foreign tourists.
To bridge this gap and make Moscow a leading tourist destination, City Hall has launched an multi-million dollar advertising and campaign, which includes spots on the BBC and Russia Today and programming on TV Center and radio Mayak.
Moscow's tourism committee plans to invite about 700 journalists from around the world to visit Moscow. These "fam" trips could boost the city in the international press.
Officials still need to Russia visa and humiliating registration processes. They also need to develop more three and four-star hotels, which could attract middle-class travelers.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
