Russia proposes to create Association of Ethno-Gastronomic Tourism in BRICS

At the BRICS working group meeting Russia proposed to create the Association of Ethno-Gastronomic Tourism. According to Nikita Kondratiev, Director of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, quoted on the ministry's website, this will help strengthen cooperation between states and the private sector.

"The accession of new members to BRICS expands not only the geography but also the cultural diversity of the association. This becomes a competitive advantage for promoting the tourism potential of the member states," he said.

Kondratiev noted that gastronomic travelling in the world has been developing very actively in recent years.

"According to experts' estimates, already in 2025 the industry volume may exceed US$1 trillion," he said and stressed that such dynamics can be associated with the growth of tourist spending, the increasing popularity of niche tours and travellers" interest in eco-friendly food.

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