June 7, 2018 TnH Global 2

Russia travel spikes as Indian Football Fans make a bee line for FIFA

MakeMyTrip sees over 400% growth in tourism to Russia for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018.

The FIFA World Cup 2018 is one of the biggest global events this year and it coincides with one of the busiest travel time for Indians who are holidaying during the summer season. The surge in bookings for Russia this year also corresponds with multi-city travel itineraries that holiday goers have picked on our platform including cities like Volgograd, Saransk, Sochi apart from Moscow and St. Petersburg.

“We have witnessed a growth of over 400% for bookings in the time period between June-July 2018 over last year. This uptick in booking is expected to grow further as we get closer to the event dates. The Russia FAN ID visa has furthermore added ease in visa formalities for all the visitors during the world cup period. Travellers just require a match ticket and registration on the site for the visa and it is couriered at the doorstep.”, added the MakeMyTrip spokesperson.

Additionally, the weather at the time of the World Cup is warm and sunny by Russian weather standards, so it’s no surprise that Indians are picking Russia as one of their top international travel picks for this summer.

Coinciding with the matches where FIFA world cup is being held, MakeMyTrip lists down most frequently booked destinations in Russia this summer season:

Sochi: Sochi is also known as the unofficial ‘Summer Capital’ of Russia, or the Black Sea Pearl. This is the country’s biggest and busiest summer sea resort, attracting visitors annually with its amazing mountainous coastline, endless shingle beaches, warm sunny days, and bustling nightlife. The matches in Sochi will take place in Fisht Stadium

Volgrograd: Volgograd lies along the west bank of the Volga River in Southern Russia. It attracts many tourists and is known for the most important and bloodiest battles of the Second World War. The football matches will takes place in Volgograd Arena.

Saransk: Saransk is a city in central European Russia and the capital of the Republic of Mordovia. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. As an important tourist attraction, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia theme park in Saransk is to open on the main city square. Mordovia Arena is the stadium which will witness all the matches held in this city.

Moscow: Moscow is one of the most travelled city in Russia. The ancient buildings and monuments with edgy galleries, boutiques and cafes attracts many history buffs. The 16th century Saint Basil’s Cathedral, is practically the symbol of Russia. Otkritie Arena Stadium and Luzhniki Stadium will host matches in Moscow.

St. Petersburg: St. Petersburg boasts of some of the most beautiful buildings in Russia. Nowhere is this more evident than in its number one attraction – The State Hermitage Museum. One of the greatest museums of the world with an unparalleled collection of art masterpieces, a day spent here is nearly not enough to appreciate it completely. Football matches in St. Petersburg with take place in Saint Petersburg Stadium

Rostov-on-Don: Rostov-on-Don is a city in southern Russia known for the ancient indigenous inhabitants included the Scythian, Sarmat, and Savromat tribes. It was the site of Tanais, an ancient Greek colony, Fort Tana, under the Genoese and Fort Azak in the time of the Ottoman Empire. The matches in Rostov-on-Don will take place in Rostov Arena.

Kazan: Kazan is a city in southwest Russia, on the banks of the Volga and Kazanka rivers. It is known as sports capital of Russia as it hosts many sports events and championships. Last but not the least, travellers can witness the matches in Kazan at Kazan Arena Stadium.