The final third stage of the series of Rostourism events for presentation of Russia tourism industry potential “Russian Tourism Roadshow 2012 (SPRING)” was held at the Rossotrudnichestvo Mission in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in London. The two previous stages were held in Berlin and Paris. The event of such caliber is the first one in 20 years of development of Russian tourism industry.
The Roadshowvisitors got acquainted with traditional and new national tourism trends, products for UK and international business and tourist companies.
The official opening ceremony of the event was attended by the Ambassador of Russian Federation in Great Britain Alexander Yakovenko, Deputy Head of Federal Agency for Tourism Dmitry Mikheyev, Head of Marketing Europe, Northern Europe and Russia of “Visit Britain” Gary Robson, and representatives from several Russian regions, leading tour operators, public organizations and universities, and journalists as well.
The event program consisted of presentations from a number of Russian regions: the Republic of Buryatia, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the Republic of Tatarstan, the Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma regions, the Perm and the Krasnodar territories.
A working meeting of the Russian delegation with representatives of the Britain's national tourist agency “Visit Britain” responsible for promoting British tourism in the international markets and the development of services for foreign travelers to the country, was scheduled on April 20.
The Roadshow has already shown that Europeans have a very strong interest in Russia, primarily, in the active and ecological tourism. Another result of this massive presentation of Russia abroad has become awareness of necessity for more specialized promotion of the country in selected markets. The Germans are interested in tours associated with the World War II, as well as tours to Tambov, the Smolensk region and agro-tours. There is interest in Siberia and Altai in France.
In his interview to the ITAR-TASS correspondent, Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Tourism Dmitry Mikheyev said "Regularity and consistency are most important in holding presentations of the international tourism industry of Russia. A single event may only arouse the appetite for Russia, generate interest to the novelties being done in our country in the field of tourism." To his opinion, such presentations "probably should be held on the eve of summer tourist season or coming winter season, which is perhaps even more interesting for Europeans."
The Russian Tourism Roadshow 2012 showed that Russia regions have become more active in promoting their tourism opportunities. The regions may not only demonstrate available tourist attractions and opportunities, but timely adjust their marketing strategy and enter the market with new brands attracting European tourists.