Ilsur Metshin: "We must develop a tourist business policy together"

(Kazan, KZN.RU, November 17, by Zilya Gayfi). A few thousand visitors are expected to arrive in Kazan over the New Year holidays. The city hotels are already booked to more than 60% of capacity, said Evgeniya Lodvigova, chairperson of the Tourism Promotion Board of the Kazan Executive Committee, at today's Business Monday meeting.

Kazan's ratings show the city's growing popularity in the domestic travel market. According to the travel.ru latest data, the capital of Tatarstan took first place among the top 10 Russian cities for November holidays trips.  "The city's hotels were booked to about 82% of capacity, which is 6% more than in the same period last year," said Evgeniya Lodvigova.

Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin stressed that Kazan tourism was developing dynamically. "It wasn't the first time that we took first place in ratings. This is the result of hard work throughout the republic under the leadership of our President. We have expanded our hotel space to suit every taste and wallet. Were have made huge investments in infrastructure and historical city center development. The ratings are high, and visitors recommend us – this speaks volumes about our city," commented the mayor.

During the November holidays, Kazan took part in the international tourism exhibition «World Travel Market» in London, where the city and the 2015 FINA championships were presented to the leading tour operators. "The presentation received general approval. A significantly increased interest in Kazan on the part of tourists from Asia was noted during the show. An agreement on cooperation between Almaty and Kazan was reached at the exhibition, which was an important step contributing to the increase in tourist traffic from China and Kazakhstan. We were also able to find partners willing to prepare travel packages for the championship," said Evgeniya Lodvigova.

According to her, Kazan was getting ready for the New Year holidays in expectation of thousands of visitors. City hotels are already booked to more than 60% of capacity. Holiday programs will be presented in most hotels, and many surprises await residents and tourists in other venues. "On the New Year's Eve, «Cirque du Soleil» will present the «iD» show produced by «Cirque Eloize», its partner. The show will be held in "Tatneft-Arena" from December 24 to 28. Also during the winter vacation, from December 30 to January 10, triple Olympic champion Maria Kiseleva will present a water show "Through the Looking Glass" at the Water Sports Palace," said Evgeniya Lodvigova.

Ilsur Metshin noted that Kazan has a unique opportunity to set new records in tourist attendance. "Currently, we have a unique chance to attract new guests. During these holidays and later, Kazan should become a city to which they will want to return. We must develop a tourist business policy together," said the head of the city.