History and milestones
Opening of the first OTDYKH/Leisure exhibition on 23 October 1995 in "Manezh" marked the beginning of the rapid growth of travel and tourism industry in Russia.
200 companies from 25 countries and Russia’s region took part at the exhibition, covering a 5,000 sq.m space.
The exhibition was supported by:
 | Moscow City Government |
 | State Committee of the Russian Federation for Physical Education and Tourism |
MICE meetings industry and business travel workshop and conference developed into MIBEXPO Russia exhibition.
The event was highly appreciated by ICCA International Congress and Convention Association.
The Conference that took place within the exhibition was visited by Lex Granada, SITE president, Didier Scaillet, director of MPI European operations, Tom Halton, executive director of International meeting Venues.
A visit of Rey Bloom, IMEX Group Chairman was an important landmark for the show.
In 2006 all exhibitions were consolidated under MATIW Moscow Autumn Travel Industry Week.
 | OTDYKH/Leisure exhibition became a member of the Russian Union of of Exhibitions and Fairs. |
 | Meetings Industry and Business Travel Workshop and Conference |
 | Medical Tourism, SPA & Health Workshop and Conference |
The exhibition moved to IEC “Crocus Expo”. The exhibition area increased from 15,000 sq. m to 23,000 sq. m. The number of exhibitors increased 5 times comparing to 1995, and exceeded 1000 companies.
The International exhibition “LUXURY Leisure” took place for the first time, attracting over 80 exhibitors from 18 countries.
In order to make exhibition visiting more convenient, an on-line Appointment System to pre-arrange meetings and negotiations was launched at MATIW.
 | OTDYKH/Leisure exhibition was highly appraised by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) |
MATIW’s rebranding. All exhibitions were incorporated under OTDYKH brand |
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OTDYKH LEISURE International Trade Fair for Tourism |
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OTDYKH MICE International Meetings Industry and Business Travel Exhibition & Conference |
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OTDYKH LUXURY International Trade Fair for Luxury Travel |
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OTDYKH Medical Tourism, Spa&Health International Conference and Exhibition for Wellness and Medical Travel |
The International Conference on food and wine travel “Tasteful Journey” took place for the first time. The Conference was attended by Jose Borralho, a Member of Board of Advisors of World Food Travel Association.
Culinary tourism was presented in an unusual form of cooking master classes.
