Saint Petersburg, Russia’s Northern Capital, is strengthening its engagement with the Indian travel market by showcasing its diverse offerings across culture, heritage, MICE, business tourism, weddings, gastronomy and leisure. The city will participate in the Business+Leisure and MICE International Travel Exhibition (BLTM) 2026, taking place from 2 to 4 September at the India International Convention and Expo Centre – Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, marking its fifth consecutive participation at the exhibition. As Russia’s second-largest city and a major economic, scientific, cultural and business centre, Saint Petersburg offers a distinctive blend of historic heritage and contemporary experiences. Its historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while its vibrant public spaces, festivals and emerging tourism experiences showcase the city as a dynamic modern metropolis.
India remains an important source market, ranking among the top five countries for international visitor arrivals to Saint Petersburg. Long-standing ties between India and Russia across culture, education, science, business and tourism continue to support travel between the two countries. The availability of electronic visas for Indian citizens has further contributed to making Russia more accessible to Indian travellers. To strengthen its appeal among Indian visitors, Saint Petersburg has introduced the Welcome India programme, aimed at hospitality professionals and designed to improve the quality and cultural sensitivity of services offered to Indian travellers.
Saint Petersburg offers strong potential for MICE and business travel, with excellent transport connectivity, a wide range of hotels, well-developed convention and exhibition facilities, and an extensive cultural calendar. The city hosts hundreds of major congresses and forums annually, attracting thousands of participants from across the world. A key advantage is the ease of combining business programmes with leisure experiences. Iconic attractions such as the State Hermitage Museum, Peterhof, Tsarskoye Selo and the city’s famous drawbridges can be complemented by boat trips, festivals, spectacular shows, industrial tourism, wellness experiences and contemporary public spaces. The city also offers distinctive opportunities for weddings and wedding getaways.
Saint Petersburg serves as a gateway to wider Russia. The “Two Cities – A Million Impressions” project allows travellers to combine Saint Petersburg and Moscow, while the “Silver Necklace of Russia” routes introduce visitors to the heritage and natural landscapes of northern Russia. With more than 1,200 hotels across different categories and a vibrant gastronomic scene ranging from traditional Russian cuisine to contemporary dining, Saint Petersburg caters to varied budgets and interests. Indian travellers can also choose from numerous Indian restaurants across the city.
At BLTM 2026, Saint Petersburg will connect with Indian travel professionals, MICE planners and industry stakeholders, creating opportunities for new partnerships and business collaborations. Its fifth consecutive participation underscores the city’s continued commitment to strengthening tourism ties with India and positioning the Northern Capital as a compelling destination for both business and leisure travel.
