Russian interest augurs well for Maltese Tourism

Minister for Tourism Karmenu Vella recently led a delegation to Russia, timed to coincide with the Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition, held between the 26 and 29 March, 1997. The Malta delegation's agenda included a series of meetings with members of the Russian, Ukrainian and Estonian travel trade, amongst others.

More than 3.5 million Russians travel overseas every year, with the Maltese islands' share standing at 14,000 tourists in 1996. However judging by the interest shown in Malta by Russia's travel trade during the delegation's meetings, as well as the enquiries received by the NTOM and the local travel trade present at the Moscow fair, this number could grow to around 35,000 during the coming years.

In Moscow, the Maltese delegation also met Russian Deputy Minister for Tourism Mr Sergei P. Shpilko, who expressed his satisfaction at the recently announced procedures which now permit the issuing of entry visas to Russian tourists on their arrival in Malta. Mr Shpilko, who visited the new 50 sq m Malta stand at the fair, was also optimistic that demand for the Maltese islands could be generated from other Russian cities apart from those of Moscow and St Petersburg. A meeting was also held with the recently appointed General Director of Aeroflot, Mr Valeri Okulov, who also welcomed the new visa procedures.

The highlight of the Moscow visit was an unprecedented press conference given by Minister Vella, attended by more than sixty representatives of the Russian trade, regional and national press, as well as from the major TV and radio stations.