Russia Simplifies Tourism Regulations for Friendly Countries

Russian authorities aim to support the tourism industry by relaxing financial regulations for tour operators working with neighboring friendly states. The Federation Council approved changes to the legislation, allowing tour operators specializing in trips to these countries to form financial security for liability in the amount of 500 thousand rubles. The new regulations also enable tour operators to ignore the total cost of tours to these countries when calculating contributions to mandatory funds for tour operators in the field of outbound tourism.

Key Takeaways:

• The Russian Government aims to reduce the financial burden on tour operators working with neighboring friendly states, promoting the development of organized tourism to countries with favorable conditions for Russian travelers.
• The list of countries meeting safety requirements and popular with Russian tourists will soon be approved by the Russian Government.
• Tour operators specializing exclusively in trips to neighboring friendly states will be able to form financial security for liability in the amount of 500 thousand rubles.
• Tour operators will be able to ignore the total cost of tours to these countries when calculating contributions to mandatory funds for tour operators in the field of outbound tourism.
• The new regulations will simplify financial requirements for tour operators, allowing them to develop new routes and offer more vacation options at affordable prices.
• The changes will provide additional protection for tourists through insurance, emergency support, and guaranteed return home if necessary.
• The increased number of companies offering organized vacations will provide greater protection for tourists compared to independent travel.

Statistics:

• The number of countries eligible for the new regulations will be determined by the Russian Government.
• Tour operators will be able to form financial security for liability in the amount of 500 thousand rubles.
• The cost of tours to friendly countries may decrease as tour operators optimize their expenses.
• The transfer of independent travelers to the organized tourist flow will allow better control over the movement of citizens and prompt response to crisis situations abroad.

Sources:

• Ministry of Economic Development (Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation)
• Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov
• Deputy General Director for Government Relations and Communications of the tour operator FUN