St. Petersburg Makes a Striking Entrance in Dubai, Strengthening Tourism Bridges with the Middle EastSt. Petersburg has taken another confident step in expanding its international presence, presenting its tourism potential in Dubai as part of the large-scale roadshow “Welcome to St. Petersburg!”.
Held on December 9 at the luxurious Al Habtoor City by Hilton Dubai, the event gathered key figures from the UAE’s tourism industry and marked an important milestone in developing new strategic partnerships between Russia and the Middle East.As global travel patterns continue to shift and new markets rise in prominence, the United Arab Emirates has become one of the most valuable destinations for international tourism outreach. With its status as a major global hub and a generator of high-value travelers, the UAE holds special strategic significance for St. Petersburg.
The roadshow reflects the city’s long-term strategy to diversify inbound markets, strengthen global connections, and highlight its openness to new cultures and international collaborations.The Dubai presentation brought together leading outbound tour operators, travel agencies, tourism boards, government representatives, industry associations, and media. The audience showed strong interest in St. Petersburg as a year-round destination that combines rich cultural heritage with modern hospitality and a wide range of experiences suited for families, individual travelers, and business guests alike.
The St. Petersburg delegation—comprising leading tour operators, hospitality representatives, cultural institutions, and key tourism infrastructure partners—unveiled a multifaceted portfolio of travel products. From bespoke individual itineraries and group programs to premium MICE experiences and family-friendly routes, the city showcased its readiness to meet the preferences of Middle Eastern travelers while taking into account their cultural and lifestyle expectations.A thoughtfully curated business agenda set the tone for productive engagement.
Following a welcome gathering, participants were introduced to St. Petersburg’s key travel advantages, including its world-renowned cultural assets and its commitment to providing a welcoming environment tailored to guests from the region.
A dynamic B2B workshop enabled Russian and Emirati industry professionals to transform initial introductions into substantive discussions, laying the foundation for future cooperation and new tourism products tailored to UAE travelers.The day concluded with an elegant dinner enriched by cultural performances and prize giveaways from the St. Petersburg participants. The informal setting offered an opportunity for deeper conversation, allowing guests and delegates to explore collaboration ideas, exchange perspectives on future tourism trends, and outline joint marketing initiatives.
The “Welcome to St. Petersburg!” roadshow in Dubai represents a vital element of the city’s broader international promotion strategy. At a time when the Middle East continues to grow as a stable and dynamic source of inbound tourism, such initiatives play a pivotal role in strengthening St. Petersburg’s global presence and reinforcing Russia’s image as a welcoming, culturally rich, and world-class destination.More information
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