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Wednesday, 09.03.2011
World Economic Forum: Russia is(n’t) worth a visit
Moscow. Russia has great potential for tourism and many interesting destinations. But in the next ten years the country will still not be one of the most desirable tourist destinations, state experts of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
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A study by the WEF shows an annual growth in tourism of 6.7 percent by 2020. However, Russia currently only ranks 59th out of 139 countries surveyed, front runners are Switzerland, Germany and France.
Wide variety of destinations within Russia
There is definitely a lot to see in Russia: from the Cathedral in Kaliningrad, which tells the history of old East Prussia to the numerous palaces and museums in the tsarist capital of St. Petersburg, the Moscow Kremlin, or those of the Golden Ring, to natural wonders such as Lake Baikal or the volcanic Kamchatka peninsula.
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It is unfortunate that there are many obstacles that interfere with a visit to Russia. Overpriced hotels that offer only poor service, according to the WEF, and the roads are in terrible condition. Not to mention Russian visa requirements that encounter additional bureaucratic obstacles, like registration.
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Terror and corruption are negative points
Security is another negative point for Russia not only due to the continuing unrest in the Caucasus regions but also through the everyday corruption of police and authorities.
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However, Russia promises improvement in all those areas. To develop tourism, 2.25 billion Euros will be spent in state funds After all, Russia wants to provide a worthy welcome for its guests at the 2014 Winter Olymic Games in Sochi.
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