Promoting eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and niche cultural experiences to up visitor engagement
Evgeny Kozlov, the first deputy head of the office of the mayor and the government of Moscow and the chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, in conversation with Aparajita Mukherjee talks about the cooperation between Qatar and Russia in the tourism sector, and how that can be furthered in the coming days. BL Tell us about the tourism relations between Qatar and Moscow. Evgeny Kozlov Today, Middle Eastern countries, together with China and India, are the main sources of tourist traffic from non-CIS countries to Moscow. Tourism from the GCC region to Moscow, especially from Qatar, is witnessing remarkable growth. In the first nine months of 2024, approximately 9000 Qatari tourists visited Moscow — three times more than in 2019 — the most successful year for world tourism. This increase is driven by visa-free entry and direct flights. Moscow attracts Middle Eastern tourists with its convenient infrastructure, mild climate, combination of modern comfort and Russian traditions. The city offers cultural experiences, luxury shopping, and business opportunities, making it an attractive destination. Moscow actively promotes tourism through international exhibitions and forums, roadshows and tours to Moscow for travel companies. We are confident that these promotional tools will also strengthen our relationship with Qatar and the broader Gulf region. Moreover, the official tourist portal of Moscow — Discover Moscow, available in English, provides valuable guidance for foreign travelers. It features a curated list of attractions and essential information for visitors to the city. To enhance awareness about Moscow, an official Discover Moscow channel was recently launched on Snapchat, where tourists from the Middle East can explore in detail the cultural attractions that the city has to offer. BL What learnings do you take back from this trip to Qatar? Evgeny Kozlov Qatar’s ability to blend modern luxury with deep-rooted cultural traditions is remarkable. The country excels in high-end hospitality, offering world-class hotels, seamless services, and curated experiences for travelers. Its focus on sustainability and innovation in tourism also stands out. Qatar’s investment in large-scale events, such as the FIFA World Cup, highlights the importance of international engagement. This approach offers valuable insights into attracting global audiences while preserving cultural identity. The recent series of business meetings in the Middle East was a comprehensive and highly productive tour that took place from February 4 to 11, 2025. The itinerary spanned key cities such as Dubai, Kuwait City, and Doha. Our meetings included business session with local tourism experts, reinforcing our commitment to deepening bilateral ties. During the meetings in Doha, Qatar, the delegation discussed various strategies to promote cultural exchange and tourism initiatives that could attract more visitors to both destinations. The Committee emphasised the importance of building strong partnerships with Qatari tourism stakeholders, aiming to create joint marketing campaigns and cultural programs that highlight the rich heritage and attractions of both regions. Overall, these meetings have significantly strengthened our connections within the Middle Eastern market, positioning Moscow as a vibrant and secure destination for both leisure and business travel. BL If you weren’t working in the tourism industry, what would you be doing? Evgeny Kozlov The ability to shape international partnerships and promote destinations aligns with my passion for global outreach. I would have pursued a career that combines international relations, business, and cultural exchange. Investment promotion, or strategic consulting would have been natural choices. These fields also allow for engagement with different cultures, fostering economic and social connections on a global scale. BL If asked for advice by Qatar, what would you say to them to improve tourism in the country? Evgeny Kozlov Qatar has already positioned itself as a luxury and cultural destination, but further diversifying tourism experiences could attract a broader audience. Promoting eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and niche cultural experiences can enhance visitor engagement. Strengthening ties with international travel agencies and hosting more global events can also increase visibility. Additionally, simplifying entry processes for more nationalities and expanding direct flight connections to key markets would further boost inbound tourism. BL What (in your view) can Qatar learn from Moscow in the field of tourism? Evgeny Kozlov Moscow successfully attracts diverse tourist segments through cultural festivals, international business forums, and sports events. Moscow, in particular, benefits from major industry exhibitions. Qatar could implement similar strategies, organizing large-scale tourism expos and cultural exchange programs. Additionally, Moscow’s approach to seasonal tourism — such as winter activities in Moscow — demonstrates the value of year-round tourism development. By diversifying beyond luxury and business travel, Qatar can create a more dynamic tourism landscape appealing to various demographics. Short takes:
The Chedi Katara Welcomes Back Hani Akkari as General Manager
A Celebrated Return to Elevate Excellence in Luxury Hospitality Doha, Qatar – The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort is delighted to announce the return of Hani Akkari as General Manager. With a distinguished career in luxury hospitality, Hani rejoins the team to further enhance the hotel’s reputation for excellence, reinforcing its commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences. “Hani’s return reflects our dedication to cultivating leadership from within and maintaining the highest standards in hospitality. With extensive experience across leading international brands and diverse markets, along with his familiarity with the property, Hani brings valuable industry expertise that will strengthen our commitment to operational excellence and outstanding guest experiences.” said Karim Bizid, Vice President of Operations, GHM. As General Manager, Hani will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s operations, setting new benchmarks in service, guest satisfaction, and innovation. His leadership will also focus on elevating the hotel’s culinary offerings and refining service standards to reinforce The Chedi Katara’s standing as one of the region’s most distinguished luxury hotels. With over 18 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East, Hani Akkari has built a reputation for curating refined hospitality experiences with a deep passion for excellence. “I am delighted to return to Doha and lead an exceptional team at The Chedi Katara,” said Hani Akkari. “I look forward to working with the team to ensure our guests continue to enjoy the highest level of hospitality in a setting that reflects both elegance and a deep sense of place.” Nestled within the illustrious Katara Cultural Village, in the vibrant heart of Doha, Qatar, The Chedi Katara seamlessly intertwines contemporary elegance with rich cultural heritage. Exquisite craftsmanship is evident throughout the property’s distinguished architecture, while its collection of opulent accommodations is meticulously curated to provide unparalleled comfort and mesmerizing views of the Arabian Gulf. Guests can expect nothing short of extraordinary, with a commitment to impeccable service and indulgent experiences, ensuring The Chedi Katara remains a beacon of GHM’s hallmark of timeless luxury.
Moscow Strengthens Tourism Ties with Qatar Amid Growing Visitor Numbers
Doha, Qatar – [February, 12] – The Moscow City Tourism Committee embarked on a strategic roadshow in the Middle East, reinforcing its commitment to fostering long-term tourism partnerships. With Qatar emerging as a key market, the delegation is focused on accelerating visitor growth, deepening collaboration, and showcasing Moscow as a premier destination for travelers from the region. Tourism between Moscow and the Qatar has witnessed unprecedented growth. In the first nine months of 2024, approximately 9,000 travelers visited Moscow — a remarkable increase compared to the entire year of 2023 and three times higher than the number recorded in 2019. The seamless visa-free entry and 14 weekly direct flights between Moscow and Doha have significantly facilitated travel, further cementing Moscow’s appeal as a key destination for Middle Eastern visitors. During meetings in Doha, discussions focused on elevating Moscow’s appeal among Qatar visitors by leveraging cultural exchange, exclusive events, and tailored travel experiences. Popular travel segments among Middle Eastern visitors include group, family, corporate, medical, and sports tourism, each designed to provide immersive and personalized experiences. During his meeting with representatives of the tourism sector, His Excellency Mr. Dmitry Dogadkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the State of Qatar, acknowledged the contributions of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. “We are pleased to see that a growing number of Qataris and expatriates in the country are becoming more familiar with Moscow, its culture, and its history, providing them with a broader opportunity to discover Russia,” said the Ambassador. “We hear only positive feedback from tourists who have visited our capital and other cities in Russia.” His Excellency highlighted the nature of the Russia-Qatar relations, which are based on the principle of mutual respect, emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic cooperation in all areas of shared interest. In this context, the Russian diplomat explained that tourism remains a strong bridge between nations and a key element in enhancing human and cultural ties between people. As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the experience for Middle Eastern tourists, Moscow is making significant investments in hospitality, infrastructure, and visitor services. The city is expanding its high-end accommodation options, enhancing Arabic-language accessibility, and curating exceptional culinary experiences to cater to Middle Eastern preferences. “Moscow is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for tourists from the Middle East thanks to our well-developed infrastructure, mild climate, and unique blend of modern amenities with rich Russian traditions. Our official tourism portal, Discover Moscow, serves as an invaluable resource for international visitors, providing essential travel information and guiding them through the city’s attractions. With over 22,000 dining options, an unrivaled shopping scene, and an iconic metro system that doubles as a cultural landmark, Moscow offers an enriching experience for every visitor,” said Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. As Moscow continues to position itself as a must-visit global destination, expanding strategic partnerships with the Qatar remains a priority. The city is set to introduce innovative tourism formats, immersive cultural experiences, and expanded guided tours to attract more visitors from the Qatar and beyond. In Moscow, there’s an international restaurant guide called GreatList.com, now available in English and Arabic. It operates in Doha, Dubai, and many other countries worldwide. The guide showcases over 100 restaurants, organized for any occasion. Furthermore, the founder, Alexander Sysoev, has announced plans to introduce a loyalty program specifically for tourists from Qatar.Tourists from Qatar increasingly view Moscow as a new and unique destination offering high-end experiences, including luxury shopping and five-star accommodations. Qatar travelers represent a key segment of Moscow’s growing tourism industry. For more information, please visit: For media inquiries, please contact: presstourism@mos.ru The Moscow City Tourism Committee
