The successful implementation of visa-free travel between Russia and China for the tourists of both countries makes that it should be implemented and extended to the other countries of the BRICS as well, very first of all to India says Oleg Safonov, head of federal tourism agency.
“The regime of visa-free travel for tourist groups between China and Russia has been proven to work, and so it makes sense to spread this to other BRICS countries too. We believe that the most promising among these – is India,” the Head of the Federal Tourism Agency told RIA Novosti.
Referring to the data, which shows an increase of foreign tourists visiting Russia, has increased to 16 percent when compared to last year. By the year end, it would be much higher as Chinese travelers are very actively visiting the country.
In India, there were 300 million people categorized as middle class. Until the recent past china was the main source for the tourists all over the world, very soon India will replicate such role. It is due to that we consider starting the preparatory work towards implementing free visa travel for the tourist groups from India, said Safonov.
At present Indian tourists travelling to Russia is very low, as only 14,000 people travelling to Russia annually.
