Russia new tourist hotspot for Kuwaitis

Russia has emerged as a new tourist destination for Kuwaiti and Gulf citizens, after the ninth most populous nation attracted some 32 million visitors in 2015. In March, Russia opened a national tourist office in Kuwait, an endeavor intended to lure Arab and Gulf tourists to a country whose tourism industry has grown exponentially and is home to 22 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites, in addition to a diverse landscape. Speaking yesterday, Deputy President of the Russian Tourism Agency Sergei Korneev underscored his country as a new global tourist hotspot, citing substantial growth in Moscow’s tourism industry, adding that the country has managed to earn around $13-20 billion in tourism revenue.

Moreover, he noted that Russia is keen on welcoming Gulf and Arab tourists in the near future, amid expectations of a 25 percent growth in the tourism industry by the year 2025. He also added that the tourism industry accounts for three percent of total investments in the country and has managed to provide some four million jobs.

Meanwhile, head of the Russian national tourist office in Kuwait Basel Al-Osoud said that Russia possesses all of the qualities and attributes needed to transform the nation into a fullfledged tourist destination, noting that the Kremlin has undertaken a series of infrastructure reforms to usher in an influx of tourists.

On tourist locations, he said that the country is home to religious and cultural sites, in addition to gardens and other locations that will beguile visitors, noting that around half a million Kuwaiti tourists venture into new parts of the world every year.

Speaking on touristic ties between Russia and Kuwait, he foreboded that relations will ameliorate, saying that Russia is a suitable destination for Kuwaitis during summer season, given the fact that temperatures remain moderate at around 25 degrees Celsius.

On efforts to cater to Arab and Muslim visitors, he revealed that a number of touristic companies have provided a wide range of ‘Halal’ food, adding that they have also incorporated the use of Arabic language into their programs to make visitors from that region feel more at home.