32nd International Travel Fair
As the winter chill begins to recede, the Russian travel industry is preparing for its most significant business gathering of the year. The 32nd International Exhibition for Travel & Hospitality (MITT) is scheduled to take place from March 11 to 13, 2026, at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center in Moscow. Having served as a professional platform since 1994, MITT remains the largest B2B community event for tourism experts in Russia, bringing together professionals from various Russian regions and numerous countries to address key business challenges.
Event Essentials and Strategic Importance
Scheduled to be held in Pavilion 1 of Crocus Expo, MITT 2026 is poised to build on the momentum of its previous years. The exhibition is not merely a showcase but a comprehensive ecosystem designed for constant communication between tourism businesses and their partners. It serves as a catalyst for the development of Russia’s regional tourism market while simultaneously strengthening international cooperation. The event enjoys the official support of the Russian Government, the Federation Council, the Ministry of Economic Development, and the State Duma Committee on Tourism, underscoring its strategic importance to the national economy.
Organizers expect the 2026 edition to host over 1,000 participating companies and attract upwards of 16,000 industry visitors from more than 50 countries and 80 regions of Russia. This high level of participation highlights MITT‘s role as a primary meeting point for the global tourism community to engage with the Russian market.
Oman Takes Center Stage as Country Partner
A major highlight of MITT 2026 is the announcement of the Sultanate of Oman as the official Country Partner. This partnership reflects the rapidly strengthening ties between Russia and Oman. According to data cited by the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), the Russian market has shown remarkable growth for the Omani destination. Between January and November 2025, approximately 77,000 Russian tourists visited Oman, marking a staggering 148% increase compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to factors such as the opening of a representative office for the Tourism Council of Oman in Russia, year-round flights by Oman Air, and the introduction of a mutual visa-free regime. Oman’s expanded presence at the exhibition will offer Russian travel professionals a deep dive into the country’s evolving tourism product, including the much-anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is expected to reshape regional tourism dynamics.
A Vibrant and Diverse Exposition
The exhibition floor at MITT 2026 will be a microcosm of the global travel industry. The expo is structured into 17 main sections, featuring collective expositions from Russian federal subjects and national pavilions from foreign countries. Attendees can expect to find leading tour operators, national tourism offices, hotel chains, MICE agencies, transport companies, and cutting-edge IT solutions for the travel sector.
In response to evolving market trends, MITT continues to expand its thematic sections. New and recently added focus areas include Glamping, featuring manufacturers of modular homes and tents; Health and Medical Tourism, with clinics and sanatoriums; and Author Tours, catering to the growing demand for unique travel experiences. The HoReCa section also remains a vital part of the expo, showcasing everything from kitchen equipment to cleaning services for hospitality businesses.
Innovation and Insight: The Business Program
Beyond the exhibition stands, MITT 2026 is defined by its rich business program. Over the course of three days, the program will host more than 30 conferences, expert sessions, panel discussions, and practical seminars. The agenda is designed to provide actionable insights, focusing on key trends in the tourism market, enhancing business efficiency, implementing innovations, and navigating human resources challenges in the industry.
A cornerstone of this program is the sixth annual MITT Travel Start startup competition, which will culminate in its final round on March 13. Organized by MITT and the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST), the competition is a launchpad for innovative IT projects in tourism. This year, 40 semi-finalists will have the chance to pitch their ideas to leading TravelTech companies, while 10 finalists will receive a working space at the exhibition. The three winning companies will be awarded their own booths at MITT 2027, providing an invaluable opportunity for young companies to gain traction in the market.
Major Players and Regional Ambition
The scale of MITT is reflected in the caliber of its participants and the ambitions of its exhibitors. For instance, Sber, a giant in the Russian financial sector, will participate as a “GigaPartner,” presenting its specialized solutions for automating financial and operational processes in the hotel business.
On a regional level, the commitment is equally strong. The Republic of Tatarstan, through its State Committee for Tourism, has allocated approximately 5 million rubles to organize its “Visit Tatarstan” booth at the event. This investment underscores the strategic importance regions place on MITT for promoting their tourism potential to a national and international audience. The booth will feature comprehensive hospitality services, from design and construction to full organizational support.
As the international community shows renewed interest, embassies are also lending their support. Her Excellency Ms. Monica Nashandi, Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia, has already sent a welcoming address to participants and guests, emphasizing her country’s tourism potential and gratitude for the platform MITT provides.
With just weeks to go until the opening, MITT 2026 is shaping up to be an indispensable event for anyone involved in the travel and hospitality industry looking to navigate the Russian market. It promises a unique blend of deal-making, networking, and forward-looking analysis, solidifying its reputation as the premier travel and hospitality forum in Russia.
