New Delhi: India has been removed from the list of safe travel destinations recommended for Russian tourists, Times of India reported citing Russian news agency INTERFAX.
According to the Russian information centre in Goa, Russia has revised its travel advisory following the blacklisting of Egypt and Turkey.
"Both India and Goa were not considered as good destinations for Russian travellers," Ekaterina Belyakova, head of the Russian information centre, was quoted as saying in the report.
It should be noted that after October 31 explosion of a Russian passenger plane over the Sinai Peninsula, that killed over 200 people, President Vladimir Putin had cancelled all flights to Egypt. Also after Turkish missiles downing a Russian fighter jet in Syria, the President called on its citizens to cancel vacations in Turkey
The destinations now identified as safe include Cuba, South Vietnam and southern China -- all thanks to the excellent infrastructure, friendly atmosphere and warm weather in winter.
The Russian move is now seen as a big blow to its tourist and also for Goa's economy as well. Goa has emerged as a favourite destination for Russian tourists in the South Asian region in last few years because of its sunny climes.
The report further said that over the past few years, the number of Russian tourists was not less than 50 per cent of all foreign tourists visiting Goa.
Belyakova informed that since 2002, the number of Russian-speaking tourists has grown steadily and that in 2013, the number of Russian tourists visiting Goa was 250,000.
