Russia and Qatar Strengthen Tourism Ties with Strategic Collaboration Aiming at Long-Term Growth, Diverse Experiences and Investor Opportunities

Published on December 2, 2025

Russia and Qatar are preparing to significantly deepen their collaboration in tourism through the upcoming signing of a comprehensive intergovernmental agreement. The initiative is designed to strengthen travel connectivity, promote joint investments, and create a sustainable framework for long-term growth in the tourism sector.

Recent trends indicate that travel between Russia and Qatar has been steadily increasing. In 2024, the number of trips rose by 26%, totaling roughly 120,000 journeys, with similar growth expected this year. Factors driving this expansion include visa-free entry arrangements and the gradual increase of direct flights between key cities. Experts emphasize that further growth will require expanded flight networks beyond capital cities, linking major tourism and transport hubs across both countries.

Russia has undertaken substantial measures to enhance its tourism infrastructure to cater to travelers from the Middle East. Leading destinations such as Sochi, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan have adopted halal and “Muslim-friendly” standards to provide culturally sensitive and comfortable experiences. Several hotels in these cities have already achieved certification, and more than 100 additional properties are currently undergoing approval. These steps reflect a nationwide effort to diversify offerings and provide services tailored to international visitors’ expectations.

To enrich the travel experience for Arab visitors, Russia has introduced a pilot programme featuring seven specialized tourism products. Covering regions from Siberia to the Far East, these offerings highlight the country’s diverse cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and unique recreational opportunities. These experiences are listed in a national travel catalogue, with new packages planned for release later this year to further broaden the options available to international travelers.

Investment is a critical component of this collaboration. A joint fund valued at US$2 billion has been established to support tourism infrastructure projects and related developments. This fund aims to finance new hotels, resorts, and leisure facilities, enhancing Russia’s capacity to accommodate growing visitor numbers. Currently, Russia has nearly one million hotel rooms across more than 28,000 facilities, with plans to add 347 hotels and over 40 major tourism projects—including theme parks, waterparks, and mountain resorts—by 2030.

The agreement also foresees business missions to explore investment opportunities, assess tourism projects, and exchange information about market potential. A dedicated tourism working group will be formed under the bilateral intergovernmental framework, with its first session scheduled to coincide with major tourism events in Russia in the near future. This group will ensure coordination, track progress, and identify promising opportunities in both countries.

The formal agreement is expected to serve as a cornerstone for sustainable tourism collaboration, boosting connectivity, investment, and service quality. By focusing on customized travel experiences, upgrading infrastructure, and fostering joint investments, both countries aim to attract more visitors and create lasting benefits for the tourism industry.

For travelers from Qatar and the wider Middle East, the partnership promises a growing selection of destinations, high-standard hospitality, and culturally conscious experiences. Simultaneously, joint investment projects will help Russia maintain its competitive position in global tourism, generate employment opportunities, and stimulate regional economic development.

This initiative highlights tourism’s strategic role as a driver of economic growth and international cooperation. By improving facilities, expanding services, and encouraging investment, Russia and Qatar are establishing a model for forward-looking, mutually beneficial tourism collaboration. The agreement lays the groundwork for a long-term partnership focused on quality, innovation, and sustainable development.

Through this cooperation, both countries aim to create a seamless, attractive, and well-organized travel ecosystem that benefits visitors, businesses, and local communities alike. The intergovernmental pact reflects a shared vision for enhancing connectivity, cultural exchange, and economic opportunity, ensuring that Russia and Qatar emerge as leading partners in the global tourism landscape.