Cooperation between Russia and Africa in the field of tourism was discussed at the RUSSIA EXPO
Participants
of the strategic session "Russia — Africa: Strategic Cooperation for
Tourism Development and Socio-Economic Growth" discussed the possibilities
of Russian-African tourism cooperation. The session took place at the RUSSIA
EXPO as part of the Russian Tourism Forum "Travel!"
In
particular, the discussion focused on potential tourist destinations,
mechanisms of cooperation to create a favorable investment and business
environment in the tourism sector, tourist preferences, and infrastructure
development.
The event
also featured a round table "Promoting Conglomerates for Sustainable
Tourism Development", where experts exchanged experiences and best
practices in tourism promotion, discussed development strategies for this
sector on the African continent, and explored modern technologies and digital
innovations serving the industry.
Foreign
guests agreed that developing partnerships in the field of tourism is important
for both Russia and the African continent, as it will unlock the economic
potential of the regions and create opportunities for cultural exchange.
"The
cooperation between Russia and African countries is currently developing at a
very dynamic pace. Last year, Africa surpassed North and South America as a
destination for Russian exports, with statistics showing it reached over 21
billion US dollars. By 2030, we plan to increase our mutual trade. There is no
doubt that Africa will soon become the largest market and one of the main
points of global growth, including in the field of tourism," emphasized
Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic
Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry of Economic Development of the
Russian Federation.
He also
noted that Russian citizens are already actively visiting African countries.
"Although
they mainly choose popular tourist destinations like Tunisia or Egypt, interest
in individual destinations and other countries is also increasing. For Russian
tourists, comfortable accommodation, convenient transfers, and safety play a
primary role. Therefore, it is important to create high-quality tourist
products, promote them correctly in our market, and simultaneously establish
vacation standards in African countries," concluded Nikita Kondratyev.
Barbara
Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe, spoke about
the beauty of the African continent and the importance of building strong
tourism and other ties between Africa and Russia.
"In
2023, we saw a 43% increase in tourist flow, and domestic financial revenues
grew by 7%, with this growth continuing. The arrival of tourists from Russia is
still moderate, although we are seeing a slight increase here as well, thanks
to our interaction with foreign colleagues. Most Russian tourists come to our
country on business visits, but we want to stimulate growth in the tourism and
hospitality sectors to maximize the number of visits by both Russian tourists
to Africa and African tourists to Russia," stated Barbara Rwodzi.
The tourist
potential of her home region was presented by the Deputy Head of the Ministry
of Resorts, Tourism, and Olympic Heritage of the Krasnodar region, Elena
Logunova.
"Last
year, we were visited by over 18.5 million tourists. In the first five months
of this year, we have already received 4 million guests, and during the summer
season, we expect another 10 million tourists. The Krasnodar region is ready to
accommodate such a number of guests, as we have around 11,000 accommodation
facilities, and every year we open new ones — mostly 4 and 5-star hotels. And thanks to investments, we expect to increase the tourist flow by 3.5 million tourists annually until 2030. Our beaches, cable cars, ski slopes, rural, ecological and wine
tourism, wellness programs, as well as tourist routes for sports enthusiasts
and families with children, are traditionally popular," said Elena
Logunova.
The
Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the Russian Federation, Mohamed Yongawo,
emphasized that Africa is home to very kind, peaceful and hospitable people.
"Of
course, although our country is small, it is incredibly beautiful, and Russian
tourists have often exclaimed to me in surprise: 'How can you hide such
beauty?' Therefore, we need to improve transport opportunities and create
strong alliances between our countries. We have culture, we have nature, but we
probably lack transport. And you can even visit all African countries without
visas because visas are needed for strangers, and for friends, they do not
exist. Let’s break down barriers," urged Mohamed Yongawo.
The
strategic session and the round table were also attended by the Minister of
Tourism of Equatorial Guinea, Prudencio Botey Sobole, the Acting Chargé
d'Affaires of the Republic of Kenya in the Russian Federation, Irene Maswan,
the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of Uganda, Martin Mugarra
Bahinduka, the General Director of ART-TOUR, Dmitry Arutyunov, the General
Director of Explore Africa Safaris and member of the Sustainable Tourism
Development Commission of the African Tourism Board (ATB), Francis Mugoga, the
Deputy General Director of Fun&Sun, Alexander Sirchenko, and others.
The IV
Russian Tourism Forum "Travel!" is held at the International RUSSIA
EXPO from June 12 to 16, 2024. The organizer is the Roscongress Foundation. The
forum is held with the official support of the Government of the Russian
Federation, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, ANO
"National Priorities", Centre for Strategic Research and leading
industry associations.
The
business program, consisting of 40 sessions, involves more than 250 speakers.
It is expected that over five days of the forum, the site will be visited by
more than 500,000 guests, including representatives from 20 foreign countries.
The exposition will feature more than 500 participants from 89 regions of
Russia.
Detailed
information on the business and festival program, as well as the mobile guide,
is available on the official website: rustravelforum.com.
The final panel pitching session for the "Investments in Connectivity" track took place on 29 April at the National Centre RUSSIA.
On the second day of the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth" the most remarkable essays submitted by authors in each track were presented.
The topic "Investments in Human Capital" attracted the largest number of essays from around the world, becoming one of the most in-demand themes within the framework of the Open Dialogue.