As an invited guest of ATO Events, I had the privilege of attending AIRTRAVEL SOCHI 2025, held in the stunning city of Sochi, Russia—a destination that immediately captivated me with its natural beauty, diverse tourism offerings, and the vibrant dialogue on aviation that unfolded throughout the event.

Widely known as the host of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games in 2014, Sochi has since evolved into a year-round destination. From its wide range of hotels and a dynamic culinary scene to ski slopes for all levels and a family-friendly atmosphere, Sochi offers something for every traveler.

A Global Platform for Aviation and Tourism

The forum brought together over 350 delegates, including representatives from 40 airlines (24 of them international), 24 airports, and 41 tour operators across 24 countries—such as Türkiye, Russia, the UAE, Iran, Qatar, China, Kenya, and India. This turnout reflected Sochi’s growing importance in global aviation and tourism discussions.

Over five themed sessions, 40 industry leaders shared insights, strategies, and solutions focused on enhancing international air connectivity, forging new partnerships, and navigating the challenges and opportunities of the post-pandemic travel landscape.

“Our main goal is to promote inbound international tourism to Sochi and showcase the city’s appeal as an exciting travel destination,”

said Alexander Nikonov, Deputy General Director for Commercial Activities, Aerodinamika LLC.

Voices Shaping the Future of Travel

The second day of the forum featured a full agenda of expert-led panels, networking opportunities, and high-level discussions aimed at shaping the future of regional and global aviation.

Opening remarks came from prominent figures including:

• Alexander Ruppel, Acting Deputy Governor of the Krasnodar Region

• Sergey Krivonosov, Deputy Chairman, State Duma Committee on Tourism and Infrastructure Development

• Alexey Starostin, General Director, Aerodinamika LLC

The opening session, Air Travel as the Basis of Tourist Flow, was moderated by Zlata Vorontsova, Head of Marketing and PR at TCH. Speakers explored how air travel remains a cornerstone of tourism development. Notable contributors included:

• Dmitry Gorin, Chairman, Association of Air Transport Agencies; Board Chairman, Vipservice

• Barathan Pasupathi, CEO, Jazeera Airways

• Anton Mattis, Deputy General Director and Commercial Director, Nordwind Airlines

• Alexander Nikonov, Aerodinamika

Another engaging session, moderated by Vasily Torgashin, Director of PR at Aerodinamika, focused on branding, communications, and market positioning in an increasingly competitive industry.

Led by Viktor Titarev, Senior Partner at Radium Investments, the panel Developing International Relations and Expanding Tourist Routes addressed strategic efforts to broaden global connectivity and enhance cross-border tourism collaboration. It highlighted real-world cases of successful partnerships between airlines and destinations—key to building resilient tourism ecosystems.

“This forum is a unique platform for building strategic partnerships between business and technology. We were proud to present our solutions and are now focused on implementing them in the coming year,”

said Alexey Fedorov, CEO of MILE·ON·AIR and general sponsor of the forum.

Sochi: Where Innovation Meets Experience

AIRTRAVEL SOCHI 2025 was more than just an industry forum—it was a celebration of Sochi’s transformation into a modern, accessible, and globally relevant destination. From insightful sessions to panoramic mountain trails, I witnessed firsthand how the city seamlessly blends aviation innovation with tourism excellence.

From Skyparks to Ski Slopes: Sochi Beyond the Conference

The forum's rich agenda was complemented by curated tours, offering delegates the chance to experience Sochi’s diverse attractions.

We began at Skypark, home to Russia’s longest suspended pedestrian bridge, offering stunning views over lush forests, sea, and mountains.

A visit to the oldest and largest trout farm in Russia followed, where clear spring-fed ponds nurture the country’s prized "royal fish."

The journey continued to Krasnaya Polyana and Rosa Khutor, two world-class mountain resorts. A scenic cable car ride to 2,200 meters unveiled the Olympic legacy nestled in snow-covered peaks. Walking through Rosa Khutor’s charming alpine village underscored how seamlessly Sochi combines sport, leisure, and culture.

We also toured a local eco-cosmetics farm, which uses natural, sustainable ingredients—a great example of how Sochi’s innovation extends beyond tourism and sports.

A VIP Perspective: Sochi from the Skies

Perhaps the most unforgettable experience was a private VIP helicopter tour organized by Solaris Aviation Center. Aboard a BO 105 helicopter, we soared over Sochi’s breathtaking terrain—mountains, rivers, and the Black Sea coastline—gaining a new appreciation for the city’s scale and beauty. The company’s fleet includes eight modern helicopters by Robinson, Airbus Helicopters, and AgustaWestland (with seating capacity from 3 to 5 passengers), enabling both private and corporate flights.

From the skies, we glimpsed Olympic venues, luxury resorts, and untouched natural landscapes. Solaris Aviation offers these exclusive year-round tours (weather permitting), providing travelers with a rare and stunning view of the region.

Sochi’s Star is Rising

AIRTRAVEL SOCHI 2025 proved to be more than a conference. It served as a global hub for aviation and tourism leadership, a launchpad for new partnerships, and a showcase for Sochi’s multifaceted identity—as a city of sport, nature, business, and forward-thinking travel.

Having explored it from the conference floor to mountain peaks—and even from the skies—I can confidently say that Sochi is no longer just Russia’s Black Sea getaway. It has become a true global meeting point where aviation innovation and tourism excellence converge