Easing visa regime may double Russia’s tourism revenues

Russia’s tourism revenues may double shortly if the government rules to ease visa regime, Russian Federal Tourism Agency head Oleg Safonov told TASS on Tuesday. "Last year foreign tourists spend some $12 billion in Russia," Safronov said adding that the country’s tourism sphere had more possibilities. "Of course, we should build piers, hotels and roads. But if we talk about tourism, we should first of all ease the access of tourists into the territory of our country," he said. The Russian Tourism Agency has proposed prolonging visa-free trips for small groups from 15 to 21 days.