Hotels and airlines in Russia are preparing for their moment in the global spotlight

There’s good news for international travellers heading to Russia: from Moscow to Samara, St Petersburg to Vladivostok, the country’s hotel scene is getting a makeover and new air routes are opening up across the country.

Until recently, the demand for global hotel brands and good air links mainly came from overseas business travellers, mainly Chinese and Europeans, and the business and leisure sector afforded by domestic oil and gas wealth.