Journalist's view | Moscow isn't just a destination—it's an experience waiting to unfold
"I would like to state that Moscow is a safe, amazingly beautiful, and very tourist-friendly city, ready to welcome Hong Kong travelers," said Ekaterina Bogucharskaia, consul of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in the HKSAR on today's (Nov. 21) "Roadshow for the Tourism Industry in Hong Kong."
When we think of Russians, certain stereotypes often come to mind: stone-faced, hard to approach, tough to befriend, rarely smiling, and seemingly reserved. Yet, here's where the magic happens. You'll witness a remarkable transformation if you make even the slightest effort to embrace their culture by greeting them in their language or showing genuine curiosity. Those icy exteriors melt away, revealing warmth, friendliness, and an eagerness to connect.
Thanks to today's "Roadshow for the Tourism Industry in Hong Kong," I had the chance to meet many Russians and experience this side of their culture firsthand. I discovered a warmth that was passionate, welcoming, and completely unexpected. By the end of the day, I'd made new friends and gained a whole new appreciation for Moscow and its people.
As Ekaterina pointed out during her speech, this event couldn't have arrived better. "Last December, Aeroflot reestablished direct flights between Moscow and Hong Kong, and we now have several weekly flights. This immediately led to a rise in visits of my compatriots to Hong Kong." According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, more than 84,000 Russian tourists visited Hong Kong between January and September this year—a 153% increase compared to the same period last year. And this trend keeps growing.
As a metropolitan hub, Hong Kong attracts countless visitors yearly, including those from as far north as Russia. For many Russians, Hong Kong offers a stark contrast to Moscow. "I love Hong Kong. This is my first time here, and it feels so different from Moscow. The weather, the beaches, the mountains—and especially the fresh air every time I step out of the hotel," shared Lera, one of the Moscow delegates, her excitement impossible to miss.
The Moscow City Tourism Committee organized today's Moscow Tourism Show to foster better connections between the two cities. Ekaterina explained that while the number of tourists from mainland China to Moscow has steadily risen in recent years, visitors from Hong Kong remain relatively few. "We need more events like this to show people in Hong Kong that Russia is a fantastic travel destination," she said.
One significant draw is the visa-free arrangement between Russia and Hong Kong. Hong Kong travelers can enjoy up to 14 days of visa-free travel to Russia. "We are working on extending this period to 30 days, the same arrangement we have with Macau. This will certainly further strengthen our ties," Ekaterina added. She believes that building these connections will improve tourism and open new avenues for cultural and business exchanges.
Speaking of cultural ties, 2024–2025 will be a joint year of culture between Russia and China. Ekaterina shared that the Consulate General has worked hard to include Hong Kong in the program. "We want to bring Russian culture closer to Hong Kong and encourage Hong Kong audiences to visit Russia," she said enthusiastically.
Fanny Yeung, Executive Director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, also attended the event. She highlighted that Hong Kong is still recovering after the pandemic, and many travelers are eager to explore new destinations like Moscow.
Here are more details about Moscow:
According to recent data, Moscow has been making significant strides as a tourist destination. For instance, in the first half of 2024, the number of tourists visiting Moscow from countries outside the CIS increased by 70% compared to the same period last year. Among the largest groups of visitors were tourists from China, Turkey, and India. Notably, around 190,000 Chinese tourists visited Moscow during this period—a 2.4-fold increase compared to 2023.
Moscow's appeal as a tourist destination lies in its seamless combination of history, culture, and modernity. Today, the city offers a high-tech, accessible, and comfortable environment for visitors. The Moscow Government has adopted a human-centered approach to infrastructure and services, ensuring that everything from ordering takeout to custom tailoring is available 24/7.
Moscow might very well be called the "capital of impressions." Themed city festivals are held annually, covering various topics and attracting locals and tourists. These events are free to attend and offer unique experiences that leave lasting memories.
Safety is another key feature of Moscow's charm. Boasting a "smart city" system that includes outdoor video surveillance and facial recognition technology on streets and in the metro, Moscow has one of the lowest crime rates among major European tourist cities.
The city also goes the extra mile to cater to Chinese tourists by providing Chinese-language signage at airports and major attractions, making navigation easier. With over 400 museums, 19,000 restaurants, and an impressive mix of historical and modern architecture, Moscow is a city that offers something for everyone.
As the day's event wrapped up, it became clear that Moscow isn't just a destination—it's an experience waiting to unfold. The city has much to offer Hong Kong travelers, from its vibrant streets to welcoming people. And if today's roadshow was any indication, the bonds between the two cities are only beginning to strengthen.
For me, Moscow is no longer just a place on the map—it's a city full of unexpected warmth, ready to welcome the world with open arms.
(Editor: Felicia Li, Jack Wang)
Related News:
Journalist's view | Navigating sights, sounds, and surprises of Sri Lanka
Journalist's view | Faiths, fashions, and resilient spirit of Sri Lanka
Comment