Russia’s second-largest and one of its most important cities, Saint Petersburg is all set to showcase its tourism offerings at the Business+Leisure and MICE International Travel Exhibition (BLTM 2026). The exhibition will take place from 2 to 4 September at the India International Convention and Expo Centre – Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.
Saint Petersburg will present its stand at the exhibition for the fifth consecutive year. Each year, the stand attracts considerable interest and becomes a hub of business activity. Visitors will have an opportunity to establish promising professional connections, launch new projects, find reliable partners and, of course, be inspired to travel to one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
India and Saint Petersburg share long-standing ties of friendship and productive cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, education, science and, of course, tourism. India ranks among the top five countries in terms of international visitor arrivals to Russia’s Northern Capital. Indian travellers are attracted by the city’s extensive opportunities for cultural events and business tourism, as well as its wide range of options for hosting wedding celebrations.
Tourism growth is also supported by the availability of electronic visas for Indian citizens travelling to Russia. Saint Petersburg is making every effort to ensure that visitors from India feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. The city has even introduced a dedicated Welcome India programme for hospitality professionals, aimed at improving the quality of services provided by the tourism industry to Indian travellers.
Russia’s Northern Capital is an ideal destination for business events of any scale. Excellent transport accessibility, a wide selection of hotels, well-developed convention and exhibition infrastructure, and a rich cultural programme that perfectly complements the business agenda all contribute to its appeal. Every year, Saint Petersburg hosts hundreds of major congresses and forums, attracting thousands of participants from around the world and reinforcing the city’s status as one of the world’s leading business destinations.
A business programme can be seamlessly combined with cultural and sightseeing experiences. The range of attractions in Saint Petersburg continues to expand. World-famous landmarks — including the city’s drawbridges, the State Hermitage Museum, Tsarskoye Selo and Peterhof — are now complemented by destinations that form part of the city’s emerging tourism landscape. Rapidly developing public spaces showcase Saint Petersburg as a creative and contemporary metropolis, while vibrant festivals captivate visitors. Guests can explore industrial sites on unusual guided tours, attend spectacular shows, enjoy boat trips, take part in wellness programmes or arrange an unforgettable wedding getaway.
Saint Petersburg is also an ideal starting point for exploring other regions of Russia. For example, the ‘Two Cities – A Million Impressions’ project offers travellers an opportunity to combine visits to Saint Petersburg and Moscow in a single journey. The ‘Silver Necklace of Russia’ routes provide an opportunity to discover the rich history and culture of the Russian North, explore ancient cities and experience unique natural landscapes.
In Saint Petersburg, everyone can create an ideal journey tailored to their interests and budget. Visitors can choose from more than 1,200 hotels offering different levels of comfort and a wide range of prices. The city’s gastronomic diversity is another pleasant surprise. Many restaurants and cafés in Saint Petersburg regularly rank among the best in national and international ratings, offering something for every taste — from traditional Russian cuisine to innovative signature dishes. At the same time, visitors from India who prefer to stay with familiar culinary traditions will find a wide selection of Indian restaurants throughout the city.
