City Travel briefing: St Petersburg

Key host city for FIFA World Cup 2018

St Petersburg will host seven games of FIFA World Cup 2018. The city will be visited by at least 400,000 visitors, as it will be one of the key fans hub.

Growing international and domestic tourism flows

In 2017, the city significantly increased the number of international arrivals, with growth exceeding 20%, while domestic trips also performed positively, but with a slower growth rate.

Expansion of Pulkovo airport

There is a long-term plan to increase capacity of the local airport to 35 million passengers by 2040.

Hosting the General Assembly of UNWTO

St Petersburg will host the meeting of the General Assembly of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2019, which will be a boost for the city.

Tax-free system pilot project

In 2018, tax-free retailing will be tested in dozens of outlets in Russia’s largest cities, with St Petersburg being among them. If the system is adopted in the country it will become a significant driver of incoming tourism.

St Petersburg stadium finally opened

In 2017, St Petersburg stadium, which will be the main sports arena in the city, with 56,000 seats was finally opened. Construction of this arena experienced many scandals and opening day postponements, but has finally started to host events.

Lahta Center the highest building in 2018

Lahta Center, the headquarters of the local giant Gazprom, is planned to be opened in 2018. Its height will be 462m, making it the highest building in Europe. It will become a new attraction, with great panoramic views.

Focus on creation of new events and festivals

The city aims to organise various new annual events throughout the year to reduce seasonality and increase the range of attractions.