Indo-Russian Travel and Tourism Fair | Honorary Consulate of the Russian Federation

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

ISSUE: 353

JANUARY 2023

Russia a major market for Kerala Tourism: Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas

Russia has been an important market for Kerala Tourism and this partnership is bound to gain further strength in the post-pandemic era as the state has drawn up ambitious plans to add a lot of unexplored destinations to its tourism map, said the Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas.

Speaking while inaugurating the Indo-Russian Travel and Tourism Fair here, Mr Riyas said as per 2019 figures more than one lakh Russian tourists visited Kerala. “Kerala is one of the favourite destinations for Russian travellers,” the Minister said.

The tourism fair is organized by the Honorary Consulate of the Russian Federation, Thiruvananthapuram, and the Russian House in association with the State Tourism Department and the Russian Embassy.

It is conceived as a platform for B2B discussions for sellers operating in the hotel, resort, Ayurveda and houseboat sectors and tour organisers and buyers from Russia. It also facilitates interactive sessions on the travel and tourism industry for experts from both countries and enables the exchange of ideas and business leads. The stalls at the fair feature their specialties and strengths.

The Tourism Principal Secretary Mr K. S. Srinivas said he hoped the Russian participants in the fair who have witnessed the cultural diversity of Kerala will inspire the rest of people of their country to visit Kerala.

The Consul General of Russia, Southern India, Mr Oleg Avdeev, said combining as it does various tourist attractions and cultural diversity, Kerala can claim to be a unique tourist destination.

The Tourism Director Mr P. B. Nooh welcomed the gathering while Hon. Consul of Russian Federation Mr Ratheesh C Nair, KTM President Mr Baby Mathew Somatheeram and SKHF Vice President Mr M. R. Narayanan spoke at the function. Ms Kavitha Nair, Deputy Director, Russian House proposed the vote of thanks.

Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) and Indo-Russian Tourism Forum are also partners in the event. Tour operators from Russia and India, and representatives of the hospitality industry in the state and Russia are taking part in the event.