Federal Mass Media Review

On 16 October, the All-Russian Tourist Forum 'Rostov-on-Don—Heart of the Don Region' was held in the capital of the Rostov region. More than 200 specialists and experts in the sphere of business and tourism, as well as representatives of authorities gathered at the 'ART-Platform Salute!' to discuss prospects for the development of the tourism industry and exchange their experience in this area. Consuls of Armenia, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia and Belarus in Rostov-on-Don, the Kazan Tourism Development Director Daria Sannikova, as well as Vipservice Holding CEO and advisor to the head of Federal Agency for Tourism Dmitry Gorin unanimously expressed the opinion that Rostov is the 'delicious capital of Russia'. (For more details, see here)

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun working out a draft law that will allow foreign citizens to stay in Russia under an electronic visa for up to 16 days from 2021. Experts emphasise that this draft law contributes to the implementation of the 'Russian tourism restart' initiatives of the Federal Agency for Tourism. 'Of course, a stay of 8 days is not enough for those foreigners who want to see not only Moscow and St. Petersburg but also other regions of Russia. A trip for up to 16 days gives a wider manoeuvre for planning the route and cities of stay. This can be river cruises, trips by the Trans-Siberian railway or tours to remote regions of Russia. Since an electronic visa will be introduced in all regions of the Russian Federation in 2021, foreign guests will be able to choose different cities of arrival and departure. For example, starting their journey in Moscow, tourists can get to Siberia or the Urals, and from there fly to the desired destination abroad', said Dmitry Gorin, Vice-President of the Association, Vipservice Holding CEO, to the Bulletin of the Association of Tour Operators. (For more details, see here)

Russia and Saudi Arabia are discussing the mutual visa cancellation and the launch of direct air travel between the countries. This became possible due to the state visit of President Vladimir Putin to Saudi Arabia, during which the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism and the Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of Saudi Arabia signed the Memorandum of Understanding. The market of Saudi Arabia is interesting for Russia, Dmitry Gorin believes. In his opinion, in view of the introduction of an electronic visa throughout the Russian Federation, the Saudis can go to Kazan, the North Caucasus and other regions of Russia, where halal traditions are strong. In addition, the growth of tourist flow from Saudi Arabia will be beneficial for the luxury segment, first of all. 'The Saudis are very high-budget tourists who choose expensive hotels, resorts and shops', the expert notes. (For more details, see here)