Rustam Minnikhanov: Construction of new hotel complex will make Bolgar more attractive for tourists

On April 27, at a ceremony dedicated to start of construction of a hotel complex in Bolgar (the Republic of Tatarstan), Acting President of the republic Rustam Minnikhanov said that construction of new hotel complex will make Bolgar more attractive for tourists.

State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Chief of Staff of Tatarstan President’s Administration Asgat Safarov, Director General of OAO “Tatneft” Nail Maganov, Director General of OAO “TAIF” Albert Shigabutdinov took part in the event.

The new complex will be located on the bank of the Volga River, on the border of the historic part of Bolgar.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rustam Minnikhanov said that for five years of work of the “Revival” Foundation, the ancient town of Bolgar and island town of Sviyazhsk have gained a new status and become main sights of Tatarstan. The tourist flow has increased three times.

Minnikhanov noted that large-scale works were done due to support за the first Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Investors of the project were major oil companies of the republic.

The hotel complex should become a masterpiece of architectural art. Different official and festive events will be held there.

Mintimer Shaimiev said that the inclusion of Bolgar in UNESCO World Heritage List lays responsibility on Tatarstan. He noted that people from all over the world come to see Muslim sacred place, and they can hardly see all monuments for one day. Therefore, construction of the hotel complex is very important.

“Construction works will start in tough economic times. However, it be finished in two years,” Mintimer Shaimiev said.