As Director of The Travel Connexion, I was proud to take part in the international information tour hosted by the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg from 9 to 13 September 2026. I joined about 40 tour operators, journalists and bloggers from Brazil, Vietnam, India, China, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, and I came away convinced that St Petersburg is a modern, year-round destination.

The Business Programme

For those of us in the trade, the dedicated business programme was a real highlight. Meeting St Petersburg’s service providers face to face meant we could discuss specific client needs, exchange contacts and begin shaping future partnerships. It is rare for a familiarisation trip to be this useful professionally.

The Classic Route

We began in the historic centre at the Manege Central Exhibition Hall, then climbed the colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral for one of the finest views in the city. At the Peter and Paul Fortress we heard the noon cannon echo across the Neva, a daily tradition that never loses its charm.

The imperial residences were breathtaking. The Catherine Palace and Amber Room at Tsarskoye Selo, the fountains of Peterhof and Gatchina Palace brought the scale and grandeur of Russian history to life. We also visited the Hermitage Museum and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, whose jewel-toned mosaics are a sight in themselves.

Culture and Cuisine

An evening with the St Petersburg Philharmonic at the Shostakovich Philharmonic Hall was unforgettable. Our gastronomy evening showcased the city’s refined and increasingly inventive dining scene.

The New St Petersburg

The city’s modern side impressed me just as much. New Holland, Sevkabel Port and the Brusnitsyn cluster are vibrant creative spaces. Futurione Emotions is a striking “phygital” art experience, where physical installations meet digital technology. The observation deck of the Lakhta Center, Europe’s tallest building, gave us a view from the historic districts to the new skyline.

Our Verdict

Every element was well thought out, from the city tours to the time spent with fellow delegates. On behalf of The Travel Connexion, I am grateful to the St Petersburg team for such a warm welcome and a programme so carefully prepared. I look forward to introducing our clients to this remarkable city.

Ghaalid Behardien, Executive Director

To plan your own St Petersburg journey, speak to The Travel Connexion.

Official links: Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg: https://www.gov.spb.ru/gov/otrasl/c_tourism/ | VKontakte: https://vk.com/c_tourism