Introduction of e-visas in St. Petersburg to increase the tourist flow

According to the chairman of the Committee for the Development of Tourism in St. Petersburg Evgeny Pankevich, the introduction of electronic visas planned in the northern capital will help to increase the tourist flow by 30%.

“We are currently working on the introduction of electronic visas for foreign tourists coming to St. Petersburg. In accordance with the expert estimates, it can increase the tourist flow by 30% that constitutes at least 2 million additional tourist arrivals annually and significantly stimulates the development of the economy of St. Petersburg,” Evgeny Pankevich said.

It is worth recalling that the initiative to introduce electronic visas in St. Petersburg was proposed at the end of 2016 and is currently under consideration of the federal authorities.

According to the experts, the number of guests visiting St. Petersburg will be about 8.5 million people this year and will reach 10 million people a year by 2025. The city authorities continue to support the development of the tourism industry and pay particular attention to expanding the possibilities of event tourism and congress and exhibition activities which are currently recognized as the most promising areas for the city.