Ildar Khalikov and Chinese delegation discuss prospects of cooperation in the sphere of tourism

On August 26, at his meeting with the delegation of China National Tourism Administration at Tatarstan Government House, Prime Minister of the republic Ildar Khalikov said that Tatarstan becomes more and more attractive for tourists year by year, due to meticulous efforts taken by the republic.

“Besides being an oil-producing region we pay much attention to the development of tourism. We have established a special state agency responsible for this industry. China is a priority partner of Russia and Tatarstan in the sphere of tourism,” Khalikov said.

According to statistical data, every 6th tourist in Russia is a national of China. It was noted that Tatarstan often takes part in tourism exhibitions in Beijing and Shanghai.

Ildar Khalikov thinks that opening of direct flights from Kazan to one of the Chinese provinces will give impetus to increasing the tourist flow.

Head of the Chinese delegation Way Huntao thanked Ildar Khalikov for the reception and reminded that a session of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation had been held in Kazan earlier on the same day.

Promotion of tourist and investment opportunities, said Way Huntao, as well as increasing business contacts between businesses and tour operators in Russia and China were discussed at the meeting.

Ildar Khalikov and Way Huntao agreed that the visit of the Chinese delegation to Kazan would reinforce cooperation between China and Tatarstan, and would be an important step in developing relations in tourism.