St. Petersburg, often referred to as the cultural capital of the Russian Federation, continues its rapid ascent in the tourism sector. The Corinthia St. Petersburg, comprising three magnificent 19th-century buildings in this historic city, offers a unique experience to its guests with 388 elegant rooms and suites.

Fernando Rojo, the General Manager of Corinthia St. Petersburg, discussed both the historic city and the hotel he manages with Tourism Today News.

Could you start by describing your hotel? How would you characterize it?

Corinthia St Petersburg is an award-winning hotel, built from three majestic 19th-century buildings in the historical city centre of St. Petersburg.

Located at the heart of Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main thoroughfare, five-star Corinthia St Petersburg houses 388 elegant rooms and suites and features several restaurants and bars and showcases modern luxury in the cultural capital of Russia.

What are the unique features that set your hotel apart from others?

At Corinthia, we are unique in St Petersburg, offering the city's only five-star Executive Club Lounge. Guests in suites and executive rooms are invited to avail themselves of the work spaces and facilities, as well as a variety of complimentary drinks and canapés throughout the day.

Corinthia St Petersburg is conveniently located near the main historical landmarks of St. Petersburg; the nearest metro station Mayakovskaya is a stone's throw from the main hotel entrance, while Moscow railway station is a 10-minute walk.

It is the only five-star property which offers such a large number of rooms and event spaces in the historical city centre of St. Petersburg. The hotel offers 17 convertible event spaces with a total capacity of up to 1,000 people. It caters for a variety of events, including international conferences, sumptuous banquets, private weddings and high-end events.

What is your hotel’s role in domestic tourism? What are your objectives in this area?

Corinthia St Petersburg, as one of the best MICE hotels in Russia, offers extensive possibilities for organizing different MICE events .

The hotel offers 17 convertible event spaces including the largest ballroom in St. Petersburg, and caters for a variety of events, including international conferences, sumptuous banquets, private weddings and high-end events. It makes the hotel the leading meetings and events space in St. Petersburg.

Corinthia St Petersburg is a successful blend of modern and historic, it has an amazing energy. St Petersburg’s hospitality sector is one of the most vibrant sectors, and we are committed to playing a key role in supporting its overall development.

The World Travel Awards, which acknowledges outstanding achievements in the tourism industry around the world, named Corinthia St Petersburg as "Russia’s Leading Conference Hotel" by seven times (in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2012 and 2011) and as “Russia’s Leading Business Hotel” by four times (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018) for offering the best hospitality in Russia’s cultural capital.

St. Petersburg is a beautiful city. How would you assess its place in the tourism sector?

Architectural splendor, treasures of art and history do make St. Petersburg one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world required for the discovery at least once in a lifetime. Though, the city has so much to offer for a business and leisure traveler, that it is natural to become a coming back guest, and our Discovery loyalty program rewords such a choice.

What measures could be taken to help St. Petersburg benefit more from tourism? What are your thoughts on this?

Tourism has been well developing in St. Petersburg in past years, changing markets but quite successful. As we now see more guests from new destinations, the city authorities and industry players need to adjust the city event program, menus in restaurants and bars for our new guests from India, Turkey, Middle East, China offering local experiences and uniqueness of the city and at the same time respecting culture and traditions of city’s guests.