Moscow Tourism Surpasses Pre-Pandemic levels, Generating 235 Billion Rubles in Revenue
Moscow, Russia – Tourism in moscow has rebounded strongly, exceeding pre-pandemic figures in 2024 with a record 26 million visitors and contributing an estimated 235 billion rubles to the city budget, according to data released by the Moscow Tourism Committee.The industry’s growth is outpacing inflation, indicating a genuine increase in tourist spending and a significant economic impact extending far beyond direct tourism revenue.
Experts at the Institute of State Management of the higher School of Economics National Research University highlight the multiplier effect of tourism, emphasizing that the sector’s development stimulates related industries like real estate, catering, and transportation. “The tourism sector cannot be considered in isolation, as it’s development affects the products of related industries… by creating demand,” explained Lyailya Sinyatullina, Director of the Centre for analysis of the Activities of Executive Authorities. “The tourism sector not only acts as a direct consumer of resources, but also creates chains of production and consumer relations, involving a significant number of supplier industries and boosting their economic turnover.”
This impact is quantified through the use of seven industry multipliers,covering key areas such as hotels,restaurants,rail travel,car travel,air travel,travel agencies,and cultural institutions.
Over the past five years, Moscow has seen a notable increase in higher-spending tourists. The number of visitors with incomes 2-2.5 times higher than the average level rose from 3.4 million in 2019 to 5.1 million in 2024. These tourists, drawn by business opportunities, cultural attractions, and entertainment, are also staying longer – increasing their average length of stay from three to five days, further boosting consumption.
Spending by Russian travelers has grown 15 percent faster than inflation in the last five years, demonstrating a willingness to invest in higher quality services and accommodations. industry turnover and budget revenues have increased by more than 2.8 times in real terms since 2010. From 2019 to 2024 alone, tourist travel spending (including shopping, food, lodging, and other expenses) increased by approximately 11 percent in real terms.
“The turnover of Moscow’s tourism industry is increasing faster than inflation,” noted Olga Nechaeva, “This means that it’s not just about rising prices – tourists have actually started spending more, choosing better services and stay options.”
Detailed analytics on Moscow’s tourism industry are available on the Russpass Business website: https://business.russpass.ru/analytical-materials?filter=%7B%22dateRange%22%3A%7B%22end%22%3A%222025-09-26T00%3A00%3A00.000Z%22%2C%22start%22%3A%222024-09-26T00%3A00%3A00.000Z%22%7D%7D.
