The one thing holding back Russian tourism more than anything else has been the visa issue; Russian visas are notoriously difficult to get, and the bureaucrats in charge simply won’t bend until they get what they want in return. Rather than give into the EU’s demands for short-term visa free travel, Russia are demanding something […]
Russian Federation
The Trouble with Russian Travel
Despite Russia’s prominence as far as its proliferation of World Heritage listed cultural and natural sites goes, the country is struggling to have much of an impact on world tourism, with the travel industry accounting for just 3% of its gross domestic product. Compare that with say, Malta, whose tourist industry accounts for 35% of […]
Rezidor Announce Plans for new Park Inn Hotel in Novosibirsk
Developed in conjunction with one of the groups’ most important Russian partners, the Regional Hotel Chain, the 150-room, mid-market property is scheduled to open up to guests for the first time in 2014. Located in the center of Novosibirsk, the hotel lies in immediate proximity to both a subway station and the main railroad terminal. Aside from its 150 guest rooms, Park Inn Novosibirsk is set to offer facilities including an all-day gourmet restaurant, a luxury spa and gym, lobby bar and five conference rooms.
Introducing a New Tour on the Trans-Siberian Railway
A brand new tour on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway begins this summer – a new and improved, luxurious tourist trip will depart from Moscow this August, and promises to be a most unforgettable experience.
New High-Speed Rail Network Planned For Russia
Russia has announced the construction of a new network of high-speed trains to criss-cross the country, in order to allay concerns of football fans about the long distances between the World Cup’s host cities.
Terrorist Attacks Affect Tourism in Russia’s Popular Caucasusian Ski Resorts
Tourists from across Europe who visit the ski resorts near Russia’s Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak, are advised to find a new destination for their vacation as terrorist attacks spread fear throughout the region.
Russia’s SAT & Agoda Join Forces
Agoda.com, Priceline.com’s Asian global hotel booking site, announces partnering with Russia’s SAT Airlines. The resulting collaboration will allow SAT travelers instant access to Agoda’s over 150,000 hotels.
TUI Travel Gains Confidence and Russian Investment
Russian billionaire steel tycoon Alexei Mordashov has increased his stake in German tourism group TUI. Mordashov raised his stake to above 20 percent from just above 15%. The transaction was made via his S-Group holding company. In TUI’s latest corporate documents, it is clear the company intends massive expansion into the Russian Federation.
Russia & EU Closer to Free Visa Agreement
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov offers a ray of sunshine for those who want a free-visa zone between the EU and Russia. At a press conference the Minister told reporters Russia and the EU are much closer to an agreement. So far the EU has stonewalled every attempt by the Kremlin to free up travel and tourism between Russia and the rest of Europe.
Russia Celebrates Christmas Eve on Three Kings’ Day
Thursday Russian Orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas Eve with the traditional Holy Supper. All over Eastern Europe January 6th and 7th are a time to praise Christ and share with friends and family. From Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, and the children playing in the snow, all Russia gives and received holiday wishes.
Russia Ready For Tourists – Bureaucrats Are Not
The Russian Federation faces some big challenges ahead. Not the least of these is transforming the country’s travel and tourism industry to be on a par with other developed nations. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and some of his deputies seem tasked more with spurring an inept bureaucracy than tackling infrastructure problems. Roads can be built, but incompetence seems to last forever.
Russia and Latvia to Cooperate in the Field of Tourism and More
Russia and Latvia presidents discussed the possibility of establishing a visa-free regime for the citizens of the two countries. So far, only an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism has been signed.