The Moscow City Tourism Committee has announced the launch of a new training program aimed at enhancing business travel from India. This initiative is part of the Moscow MICE Ambassadors online certification project, designed to strengthen ties between Moscow and India and promote the Russian capital as a premier destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.
Scheduled to run from June 3 to November 1, 2024, the online project promises a transformative experience for participants. Representatives from India’s MICE industry can register for the program via the RUSSPASS portal.
The Moscow MICE Ambassadors pilot course, initiated last year in collaboration with the Indian MICE Agents Association (NIMA), successfully certified 50 members. Building on this success, the program aims to certify 200 professionals from India’s MICE industry this year.
Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of The Moscow City Tourism Committee, commented, “The Moscow MICE Ambassadors program is focused on India as it is our priority region. Our objective extends beyond increasing the influx of business travelers from India to Moscow; we aim to elevate the standard of services we provide and effectively showcase our capabilities. To achieve this, we familiarize Indian MICE experts with the nuances of organizing corporate events in Moscow and offer support in customizing business agendas to suit the Indian market.”
“Our training modules are designed with a long-term perspective. I am confident that all MICE specialists who receive certificates this year, and in the years to come, will be able to create business programs in Moscow that meet the needs of even the most demanding clients,” added Kozlov.
This year, the program includes practical information on planning and organizing events in Moscow, offering tips tailored to Indian corporate clients. Participants will learn about key business districts, conference facilities, accommodation options, transportation services, and networking opportunities in Moscow. They will also gain firsthand insights into The Moscow City Tourism Committee’s plans and receive insider tips to help promote Moscow and assist in the bidding process for MICE events.
The Russian government approved the construction of the 679 km railroad, which should allow Russian-made trains travelling at 360 km/hour per hour to get from Moscow to St. Petersburg in 2-2.5 hours instead of the current 4-5 hours, on the first business day of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The certification program for Moscow MICE Ambassadors consists of five in-depth modules designed to systematically introduce participants to the city’s MICE potential, highlighting its unique cultural beauty, centuries-old history, and rich architectural heritage. Each module includes a video lecture and downloadable resources for self-study, providing valuable tools for participants’ future endeavors. Upon successful completion of all modules and assessments, participants will receive the Moscow MICE Ambassador certificate, showcasing their proficiency in the program.
India consistently ranks as one of the leading nations in terms of tourist influx to Moscow, with business travel being a key driver. In 2023, Moscow welcomed 3.7 million business travelers, marking a 7 per cent increase from the previous year.
In April 2024, the Moscow City Tourism Committee organised the Shaping MICE Future conference in Delhi, bringing together over 100 representatives from the MICE industry in India and Moscow. The event featured panel discussions and thematic sessions, offering Indian MICE stakeholders insights into the benefits of organizing business events in Moscow and opportunities for effective cooperation.
This new training initiative is expected to further enhance the collaboration between Indian MICE professionals and the Moscow City Tourism Committee, fostering a vibrant business travel environment between the two regions.
