PANJIM: The Consulate of the Russian Federation in Goa has suggested enhancing tourism inflow from potential markets like Russia and Ukraine and rubbished reports of Russia issuing an advisory against India and Goa.
“Apropos the news item appearing in the various local newspapers/online news portals relating to ‘India no longer a “safe” destination for Russians’, the Consulate of the Russian Federation does not subscribe to the news items expressed by the Russian Information Centre, which is a private travel agency operating in Goa and which has sourced its information from Interfax, which is again a private news agency,” a statement circulated to the media says.
Honorary Consul Victor Albuquerque said that any advisory to Russian citizens would only be issued by the Government of the Russian Federation/Authorities, which will be made available through the Consulate of the Russian Federation.
“Nearly 50 percent foreign tourists comprise Russians although earlier it was 60-70 percent. We hope to achieve a larger number of Russian tourists in one year or so,” he said, adding, “Goa is still a good market… Russians are very happy with Goa and it is a destination where they feel homely and safe.”
TTAG President Adv Francisco Braganza said Goa is a safer tourist destination than Vietnam.
