Moscow eyes stronger tourism bonds with Kuwait
Moscow is introducing a new system for transferring funds from Gulf tourists via virtual banks and cards. If the pilot launch succeeds this month, full implementation will follow next summer,” said Yevgeny Kozlov, Head of the Moscow Tourism Committee.
• The Moscow Tourism Committee held meetings in Kuwait City to showcase the Russian capital’s appeal to Kuwaiti tourists by enhancing cultural exchange, hosting exclusive events, and offering personalized travel experiences tailored to their interests
• Moscow continues to solidify its position as a premier global destination, focusing on strategic partnerships with Kuwait. As the city prepares to introduce innovative tourism offerings, immersive cultural experiences, and comprehensive guided tours, it aims to attract more visitors from Kuwait and beyond, said Yevgeny Kozlov.
THE TIMES KUWAIT REPORT
The Moscow Tourism Committee made a strategic tour of the Middle East to expand tourism partnerships, with a special focus on Kuwait as a key market, aiming to boost visitor numbers and promote Moscow as a top destination in the region.
The committee held meetings in Kuwait City to showcase Moscow’s appeal to Kuwaiti tourists by enhancing cultural exchange, hosting exclusive events, and offering personalized travel experiences tailored to their interests.
During a meeting with tourism industry representatives, H.E. Vladimir Geltov, the Russian Ambassador to Kuwait, stated, “Our capital, Moscow, remains a key gateway for Kuwaitis traveling to Russia,” expressing confidence that “today’s meeting will further strengthen tourism ties between our two countries.”
A favorite destination
Yevgeny Kozlov, Head of the Moscow Tourism Committee, highlighted Moscow’s rapid growth, reinforcing its status as a preferred destination for Middle Eastern tourists due to its modern infrastructure, mild climate, and unique blend of contemporary attractions and rich Russian traditions.
22,000 dining destinations
He noted that the official tourism portal, Discover Moscow, serves as a valuable resource for international visitors, offering essential information on the city’s landmarks. He also emphasized that Moscow provides diverse experiences for all travelers, including a selection of 22,000 dining destinations, a vast array of shopping outlets, and an extensive metro network connecting the entire city.
Kozlov stressed that Moscow continues to solidify its position as a premier global destination, focusing on strategic partnerships with Kuwait. As the city prepares to introduce innovative tourism offerings, immersive cultural experiences, and comprehensive guided tours, it aims to attract more visitors from Kuwait and beyond.
“A new mechanism for transferring funds to tourists from Gulf countries is being introduced, allowing transfers from traditional banks to virtual banks and from credit cards to virtual ones. We have asked the tourism department to test this system, which will launch this month. If successful, it will be officially implemented next summer,” Kozlov said.
Moscow offers top-tier medical services at affordable prices
Regarding medical tourism, he stated, “We do not rely solely on medical tourism but cater to all types of travelers. Our country offers a full range of surgeries and treatments across government and private hospitals, providing top-tier medical services at affordable prices.”
Kozlov expressed his satisfaction with the increase in Kuwaiti tourists over the past two years, attributing the growth to Jazeera Airways’ direct flights between Moscow and Kuwait and the introduction of the electronic visa system.
Eight weekly direct flights
He noted that the eight weekly direct flights between the two capitals have significantly eased travel, and discussions are underway for a visa exemption agreement between Russia and Kuwait, while electronic visas remain available.
‘Halal’ meals and translated menus
Normukhanov stated that Moscow offers numerous Arabic and Russian restaurants serving halal cuisine, with menus translated into Arabic and English. He dismissed concerns about racial issues faced by foreign tourists, emphasizing that such concerns are unfounded, not simply due to the presence of tourist police.
He highlighted that Moscow has 200 police officers fluent in Arabic and English, along with over 200,000 surveillance cameras equipped with AI-powered facial recognition, underscoring the city’s high level of security.
