MITT 2016: Opening Day

MITT opened yesterday for the 23rd time. Known as the key event in Russia’s travel industry, MITT is strategically timed at the beginning of the spring-summer period. Destinations from around the world have congregated to promote their international travel packages to the Russian market, as well as domestic travel options.

This year, the opening of the exhibition was held in a new format – the plenary discussion.

Discussion was moderated by the Vice-President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry Yuri Barzykin. In his opening remarks, he said: “Tourism is changing. In the world over the past year it has been committed over a billion international visits. Every year, oil falls, and tourism is growing at 4-5%. Let a little bit, but the process step-by-step continues. Changing only the content.”

Elena Drapeko, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Culture, began her speech with the words of regret and sorrow for the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place on Tuesday in Brussels. “For our industry, tourism industry, security – is first and foremost, they must comply with the country, receiving guests. And today we can say that Russia ensures the safety of our guests on the tourist routes that we promote today, we have strengthened security measures “, – said the speaker.

Regional partner of the exhibition, Eilat (the world-famous seaside resort of high class in the south of Israel) was represented by Yariv Levin, Minister of Tourism of the State of Israel. He informed the audience at the opening that more than 25% of Israel’s population speaks Russia. Mr. Levin said that the business relationship between the two countries is very positive and this fact will undoubtedly contribute to further increase the popularity of the trend among Russian tourists in general.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a media partner of MITT.