Tourism promotion for Malta in Russia

A high level delegation, led by the Hon. Karmenu Vella, has attended MITT'98, the main Tourism Fair held in Moscow.

During the fair, Minister Vella had meetings with the main Russian Tour Operators who are already featuring Malta in their programmes, as well as new operators who are considering Malta as a tourist destination. The meetings were also attended by senior officials of NTOM and Air Malta. A well attended Press Conference was also held.

The Russian Tourist market has been increasing at a rapid rate from 4,700 arrivals in 1993 to 13,600 in 1996 increasing further to 21,000 in 1997. Both Air Malta and Aeroflot have increased substantially the capacity from Moscow and St. Petersburg for Summer 1998, in order to meet the strong demand by tour operators. Based on commitments it is felt that arrivals from Russia can reach 28,000 in 1998.

Air Malta is planning to intensify further its presence in the Russian market both for Summer 1998, as well as during Winter 1998 / 1999.

The NTOM / Air Malta stand was kept extremely busy throughout the fair and efforts will be made to enlarge the stand in 1999. The participating Maltese Travel Trade consisting mainly of hoteliers, travel agents as well as language schools, made useful contacts with the Russian travel industry.

Apart from MITT'98, the delegation also attended two promotional evenings in Moscow, organised by Malta Specialist Operators in collaboration with NTOM. More than two hundred guests attended the events.

1998 promises to be yet again a breakthrough year in tourism between Malta and Russia, with arrivals exceeding last year's total.