China Friendly tourist facilities appear in Russia

Russia is strengthening its tourism ties with China, and today the first facilities certified according to the China Friendly standard have begun operating in the country. This was announced by Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

The format involves providing basic information in Chinese at establishments, offering a convenient way to pay with foreign cards, specially trained staff, and more. Certified organisations receive the China Friendly mark.

According to Kondratyev, the Chinese market remains key for the Russian travel industry. He believes that the abolition of visa formalities, which was announced at the Eastern Economic Forum, opens up new prospects for the national economy.

"China is the main exporter of Russian tourist services, we have a common border, so the abolition of the visa regime is a significant opportunity for the country's economy and border regions in particular," he said, according to the Russian Ministry's press service.

The director of the department emphasised that visa-free group tourism, which has been in effect since August 2023, has already proven its effectiveness: almost 2 million people have taken advantage of it. He added that a reduction in the minimum number of group participants from five to three and an extension of the length of stay in the country from 15 to 21 days are currently being discussed.

Kondratyev also said that Russia has compiled a catalogue of 11 routes, six of which are tailored to the preferences of tourists from China. Much attention is also being paid to infrastructure: by 2030, it is planned to build about 400 suitable hotels and 50 large tourist facilities.

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