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Incoming Tourism to Russia Governmental impulse to boost In-Coming Tourism The Russian Government has embarked on a series of actions to boost the number of tourists visiting Russia. It is estimated that 6.8 million visitors visited Russia in 2000 but only a third of these tourists came from Countries other than the former Soviet Republics. Receipts from International visitors have been estimated at $.374 million. The Tourism Department of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is responsible for the co-ordination and operation of this endeavour. Many of the main obstacles have been correctly identified and suggestions have been proposed to overcome the hurdles presented by the Visa situation, shortage of tourism infrastructure and services.
The initial step will come on the form of an aggressive advertising and marketing campaign. Promotional actions will be shown on tv and advertised on radio and though the internet. A comprehensive plan has been presented by the Ministry and is expected to be passed in the third quarter of this year. Moscow City Government to promote Tourism Soon after the announcement from the Ministry, the Moscow City Government unveiled its own ambitious plan to boost the number of tourists visiting Moscow with an aim to double tourism figures by the year 2006. A massive landscaping project is in development to improve the overall appeal of the city of Moscow. Major improvements are suggested for the main Tourism Sites including facilities for handicapped guests. In the last 10 years the face of Moscow has changed dramatically. Many historical buildings have been rebuilt to the original plans, roads have been greatly improved and the city can be proud of its cosmopolitan flair. Formula 1 Race for Moscow As part of the elaborate plans to boost tourism receipts, Moscow's flamboyant Mayor, Mr. Yury Luzhkov has unveiled plans to create a Formula One Grand Pirx racetrack in southern Moscow by 2004. Bernie Ecclestone visited Moscow recently to discuss this $.100. million project and was reported to be pleased with the plans and a British company, TWR Group has been awarded the construction contract. "The construction of the circuit will most certainly go ahead and be treated with high priority. Our target is to have the track completed and Internationally certified within 2 years. This project is of extreme importance to the prestige of Moscow as an International destination" stated a spokesman. St .Petersburg races to build hotels
With less than 2 years to go for the big, all year party in 2003 to mark the 300th anniversary of the founding of the city, St. Petersburg has embarked on a strategic plan to vastly increase the number of suitable hotel accommodations for the expected visitors. The city currently can offer 132 hotels with approximately 16,500 rooms. Only 70 of these properties are classified as hotels in the luxury, moderate or budget categories. The remaining are administrative hotels or hostels needing renovation. St. Petersburg boasts some fine hotels including the Grand Hotel Europe, the Nevskij Palace, the Astoria and the Angleterre. A new Radisson SAS Royal hotel is due to open shortly.  |
