10 reasons to visit Moscow
On March, 9th, in Berlin (Germany), within the context of the international exhibition ‘ITB Berlin 2016’, the press-conference on the subject ”10 reasons to visit Moscow now”, as conducted by the head of the Department on the Nationalities Policy, Inter-regional Contacts and Tourism of the city of Moscow, Mr. Vladimir Chernikov, has taken place.
The event has put together the major first-rate travel companies from Germany, the representatives of German and Russian press, as well as numerous guests and visitors of the exhibition. Within the context of the welcome speech Mr. Vladimir Chernikov has pointed out, that the Russian capital has become the most demanded destination for international tourism. „Moscow is not the largest city in Europe, it is not the subject for comparison with any other metropolitan city in the world. This is the unique city – traditional and modern at the same time. The antique structures are being found side by side with the business districts, featuring ‘hi-tech’ style, the cozy café – with the world-class restaurants, famous fashion brands – with the vintage arts"
Mr. Vladimir Chernikov has nominated 10 reasons, in virtue of which the Russian capital is worth visiting, and has pointed out that, despite the economic recession, the number of tourists, arriving to Moscow, is increasing from year to year.
Reason No.1: Historic and Cultural Heritage
In Moscow, the large number of the historical and the cultural landmarks of the various periods are concentrated. Moscow is thereat changing, the industrial areas are being transformed to the modern art centers, the cultural heritage sites are being restored — during the last five years, 367 landmarks and buildings have retrieved their historical image.
Reason No. 2: Moscow is Technology-Advanced and Comfortable
Free access to World Wide Web is available throughout the entire territory of Moscow, including underground, in the largest “underground palace” worldwide - Moscow metro. The project ‘Free Wi-Fi’ is set up here – the excellent example of combination of the vintage traditions and the technological innovations. The interfaces for the individual excursions, for ordering taxi and car-sharing services are set up for the users of smartphones.
Reason No. 3: Russian Folk-Arts
In terms of traditions, Mr. Vladimir Chernikov has mentioned the cultural and the entertainment center – Izmailovo Park, where one may not only enjoy the good time, but to try one’s hand in the vintage arts. Hand-made articles shall become the unique presents, brought from the Russian capital.
Reason No. 4: Moscow as Business Hub
“Only in accordance with official data, more than 2 million visitors, visiting the city with the business purposes, are staying at the Moscow hotels”, - as it was told by the head of the Department on the Nationalities Policy, Inter-regional Contacts and Tourism of the city of Moscow, - “In particular, from Germany, being the second in TOP-10 list of the countries in terms of the number of tourists, more than 40% of the visits to Moscow are committed with the business purposes”. More than 200 international exhibitions, hundreds of forums, congresses and conferences are annually taking place in the Russian capital. Business-class hotels are operating, intended for accommodation of the guests; in particular, 39 from the Moscow hotels are representing 27 largest international hotel brands. In total, more than 1000 hotels of the various rate and cost are operating in Moscow.
Reason No. 5: Moscow as Environment-Friendly City
Moscow is the huge metropolitan city, however, as opposed to most major unban cities, the city is proud of the clean air. In accordance with the rating data, provided by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the RF, Moscow is the most environment-friendly city of Russia.
Reason No. 6: Moscow as Port of Five Seas
Special consideration was given by Mr. Vladimir Chernikov to the Moscow river-walk promenades. Persistent efforts are being currently exerted in Russia to their renovation, and the major river-walk promenades have changed already. “One may confidently state that nowhere in the world the major city water-way is insomuch illuminated”, - as expressed the spokesman.
Reason No. 7: Moscow as Capital of Russian Gastronomy
All the major national cuisines are represented in Moscow, including those of the former Soviet Union. The most popular are the Caucasian and Middle Asia ethnic specialities. The Slavic cuisine is standing separately. Mr. Vladimir Chernikov has named the restaurant “Shinok”, as one of the popular points, where one may taste the Slavic ethnic specialities. Average bill in Moscow is amounting from 2 to 50 Euro.
Reason No. 8. Moscow for Kids
Moscow is the city, intended not only for adults, but for kids as well. Novelty of 2015 is Oceanography and Marine Biology Center ‘Mosqarium’.
Reason No. 9: Sports-Oriented Moscow
More than 50% of Moscovites are engaged in sports. 650 km of the skiing trails are available in Moscow in winter, within the city boundaries 9 ski slopes are located. The largest skating-rink in Europe, featuring the artificial ice is available at the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy. The main skating-rink of the country is traditionally opened on the Red Square. More than 150 bicycle rental centers are available in summer, 210 km of the bicycle tracks are built.
Reason No. 10: Moscow as City of Festivals
In conclusion of the press-conference, Mr. Vladimir Chernikov has come out with the upcoming events. Thus, in 2016, 150 major events in the sphere of culture, science and sports shall take place in Moscow, representing the interest for the Russian and the foreign tourists.
