Russia lifts iron curtain on tourists
RUSSIA has always attracted travellers with its magnificent palaces, superb culture and awe-inspiring scenery.
For many years, much of what Russia had to offer was cut off, but now the country is opening up again.
At the same time, Russian travel agents and tour operators are appearing at trade fairs.
The travel agent, Sputnik Shareholding, attended InterTour last year and the head of the department, Konstantin Kinel, is here again this year.
''Last year, our attendance at InterTour was very successful and we made connections with many travel companies in Hongkong and from Taiwan,'' Mr Kinel said.
''Although our company does business all over the world, we attend InterTour to establish more business in the Far East.'' Sputnik Shareholding has 55 years' experience in the touring and travel industry and has 200 partners in 70 countries.
This year, the company is promoting tours in Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and in the new Baltic states.
Mr Kinel said that the most popular tour was a package that included visits to Moscow and St Petersburg.
During InterTour, the firm is promoting tours in the Russian Far East.
These tours included the city of Vladivostok, Khabarovsk and Irkustk, Mr Kinel said.
Attractions in the Far East include the Lake of Baikal, which is the deepest in the world, and some spectacular wooded countryside.
Khabarovsk is easy to reach by air, while Vladivostok is the main Russian port on the Pacific.
The region does not have many world standard hotels but there are quite a large number of three-or four-star hotels.
This is the first time the area has been promoted in Hongkong.
Mr Kinel is also promoting a holiday in which people can study the Russian language at university in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Students will live as a family with their teacher. This will enable them to improve their Russian and learn more about Russian family life.
The courses last from two weeks to two months and the different levels of tuition are aimed at beginners and those with some experience.
For those with cultural interests, Mr Kinel's company can obtain tickets to the ballet or opera in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Despite the difficulties of travelling within Russia and the CIS, the benefits well outweigh the disadvantages.
As the situation in Russia improves, travellers will flock to Russia, and tourist attractions are likely to become swamped with travellers.
