Business Programme
11 June 2025 | 10:30–12:30 Moscow, VDNH, Pavilion 19, The Atom Museum Hall

Religious Tourism and Pilgrimages in Russia: Issues and Prospects

Religious tourism and pilgrimages are not only a spiritual journey, but also an effective tool for developing domestic tourism in Russia. The country’s numerous holy places, monasteries, temples, and cultural and historical sites are of interest to a wide range of people around the world, not just religious pilgrims. However, the development of such tourism requires a systematic approach that takes into account the specific features of the audience and can solve organizational, infrastructural, and marketing problems. Which regions of Russia have the greatest potential to develop religious tourism? How can we attract tourists to holy places en masse? What is the best way to maintain a balance between mass tourism and respect for holy places?

Moderator

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Matfey Metropolitan of Pskov and Porkhov Head of the Pskov Metropolitanate; ruling bishop

Co-moderator

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Gvichiya Nana Vice-Chairman, Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg
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Solodukhina Abbess Mikhaila Abbess, Pokrovsky Alexander-Chagrinsky Convent Abbess

Panellist

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Biba Alexander President, Cosmos Hotel Group
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Galustov Ambartsum Acting Rector, Russian State University of Tourism and Service
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Gulyi Filipp Chairman of the Board, Republican Union of Tourism Industry of the Republic of Belarus
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Zhulina Marina Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Yaroslavl Region
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Shipulya Vera Head of the Project Office, “Golden Ring”

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