Russian regulations regarding airport security checks need to be reconsidered to create a more accommodating approach that respects the cultural norms of specific groups of travelers, particularly those from the Middle East. Leonid Sergeev, the CEO of Pulkovo Airport, mentioned in an interview with the business daily RBC that passengers from the Middle East require a different level of consideration than what is currently practiced in Russia. The timing of this proposal is significant as St. Petersburg has been actively seeking to attract tourists from «friendly countries» due to a notable decline in travelers from traditional markets such as the USA and Europe.
Sergeev emphasized that the Middle East represents «a very promising market» due to the higher mobility in the region, with many individuals taking vacations five to six times a year. However, Sergeev noted that these travelers should not be subjected to the same level of scrutiny during security checks as is customary in Russia, especially in a way that may be perceived negatively by their families. He highlighted the need for a service that prioritizes politeness and friendliness to make a positive impression, stating, «Otherwise, upon their return to their homelands, they may share unfavorable experiences.»
Sergeev even recalled an unpleasant incident involving a sheikh at Pulkovo airport some years ago, but did not provide details about the specific country or the nature of the incident, apart from mentioning that it occurred during a security check.
In 2023, Russia recorded 580,000 international arrivals, a 2.9-fold increase compared to 2022 but still significantly lower than the 2019 figures, according to the statistics from the Russian Travel Operators Association. The majority of tourists came from China, Germany, Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, the USA, Kazakhstan, India, Latvia, and Uzbekistan.
St. Petersburg reported 9.4 million tourists in 2023, a 16% rise from 2022, with only 6.1% arriving from abroad. The most significant number of foreign visitors came from former Soviet republics, along with China, Iran, Turkey, and India. Sergey Korneev, the Head of St. Petersburg Tourism Development Committee, highlighted the importance of the Middle East and Persian Gulf countries as crucial markets for the city. Travelers from these regions are known for their higher spending habits and longer stays, often engaging in family travels and choosing high-level hotels.
St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport has direct connections with 18 countries. The airport handled 20.4 million passengers in 2023, making it the second-busiest in Russia. However, the majority of the traffic was on domestic routes, with international flights accounting for only 3.5 million passengers. This figure includes various passenger categories, not exclusively tourists.