Russia expects 15% foreign tourism boost after World Cup

The FIFA World Cup has helped “destroy stereotypes” about Russia and is expected to boost foreign tourism by 15 per cent as fans head home and spread the word that they had a great time, said Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets.

“We expect a serious increase in the international influx (of tourists). We hope that this influx will increase next year by no less than 15 per cent, thanks to the policy of openness and the recognition of Russia that occurred during the World Cup,” Golodets, who was appointed to oversee sport and culture in May, told Reuters in an interview.

Russia has hosted more than 700,000 foreign football fans during the tournament, spread over 11 cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi. “We’re very pleased about how people have responded to the atmosphere. It seems to me that the World Cup has allowed us to destroy stereotypes that existed in the world,” Golodets said.

Russia also hopes for a boost to development in the regions that have hosted matches, she said. The government will soon announce a legacy plan to ensure newly-built stadiums do not fall into disuse, Golodets said.

Source: Reuters