March 2006

EU Russia Visa Agreement to Be Signed in May

Russia and the European Union plan to sign an agreement on easing visa regulations by the end of May, 2005, before or during an EU-Russian summit planned for May 25 in Sochi.

The President of Russia Vladimir Putin ordered the foreign ministry to sign the agreement on a simplified visa regime on behalf of the Russian Federation.

The agreement aims to relax EU-Russia visa requirements for certain categories of people, such as students, researches, politicians and businessmen.

“Our intention is that the two agreements will enter into force by the end of the year,” EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini said. “Our final goal is a visa free regime between Russia and the European Union, but it is a long term goal,” Frattini said.

Sources: http://www.times.spb.ru/ , http://en.rian.ru/

Passport Change Have Lost French Travel industry USD 208 mln

French tourist industry lost $208 million (£138 million) after the country’s government was unable to deliver new biometric passports required for visa-free travel to the US on time.

The US says that all passports issued after October 26, 2005, must contain a digital photograph of the holder and a microchip. Otherwise, the owner will need a visa to enter the United States.

The process of passport modernisation began only last summer and is too slow. Professionals are demanding compensation from the French Government, whose inability to deliver the high-tech passports on time has resulted in a 30 per cent reduction in trans-atlantic bookings.

Ren-Marc Chikli, chairman of the French Association of Tour Operators argues, “What has happened is unacceptable. It’s meant lost sales for tour operators, travel agents, airlines and others. Everyone is going to do their calculations and ask for compensation from the Government”

The US Consulate in Paris is flooded with visa applications. Last week, the earliest date for a consulate appointment was June 20.

The UK passports have been containing digital photos since 2003 and the British Government promises to deliver microchips by this autumn.

Source: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/

WTTC Anticipates Tourism Boom in Russia

The World Travel and Tourism agency (WTTC) conducted a research on tourism industries in 174 countries, including Russia. Yesterday, an in-depth report was presented to the Russian Government and the Federal Tourism Agency, stating that Russia is going to become one of the leading tourist destinations by 2016.

The WTTC report contained economic projections and policy recommendations for the growth of travel in Russia. According to it, in the next decade year to year Russian travel and tourism industry GDP will grow 5.1 per cent.

The recommendations contained:

• identification of and investment in brand “Russia”, promoted both internationally and domestically,
• speed up the identification of special economic zones for tourism,
• reduce red tape, associated with entry visa requirements,
• modernization of airports, railways and ports,
• diversify Russia’s tourism product (incentive travel, sea and river cruises, cultural tourism, city breaks, sports and adventure travel) to ensure its long-term sustainability.

“Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President WTTC, said: Russia has the potential to become one of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism economies over the next decade …I would like to commend Rozturism on the significant steps it has already made in facilitating Travel & Tourism growth in Russia and call upon the government, industry and population at large to adopt the recommendations set out in this report so that the full social and economic benefits of tourism can be achieved.”

Russian officials and Federal Tourism Agency representatives admitted that on the whole the research correlates with the Russian state strategy.

Sources: http://www.traveldailynews.com , http://www.kommersant.com , http://www.themoscowtimes.com

Pakistan Plans to Improve Country’s Tourism

Great historical and cultural value and natural beauty give Pakistan all chances to become one of the most visited tourist destinations in Asia.

Yesterday Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz has emphasized to Ministry of Tourism that considerable work should be done to promote tourism in the country.

Among his recommendations there were such as liberalization of visa regime, ease of movement for travelers, better residential facilities.

In four weeks Ministry of Tourism is to submit the promotional strategy in coordination with private sector and all the related government departments. It will include all the above recommendations. New tourism sites will be developed around the country, especially in its mountainous Northern parts. New treks and modern hotels will be built.

Source: http://www.paktribune.com