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