I. Metshin and A. Hidalgo signed an agreement in the field of tourism between Kazan and Paris

(KZN.RU, December 13). The signing of the agreement in the field of tourism between Kazan and Paris was held today in the French capital. The Mayors of the capitals Ilsur Metshin and Anne Hidalgo initialed an agreement, dictated by the mutual desire to establish comprehensive relations and cooperation. Alexander Orlov, the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Russian Federation in France, Patrick Klugman, the Vice-Mayor of Paris, and Evgeniya Lodvigova, the deputy head of the municipal formation of Kazan, also attended the event.

The agreement between the cities provides the establishment of bilateral relations on a long term basis and the creation of appropriate organizational, informational, economic and legal conditions: joint planning of event management, information sharing, and cooperation in the field of urban tourism exchange and investment activities.

The sides discussed a number of projects within the framework of cultural exchange during the meeting, which was held in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual interest. For example, it is planned to organize in Kazan the exhibition of paintings, brought from Paris. And Kazan will hold in the capital of France the national holiday Sabantui in the summer 2017, to acquaint the Parisians with the customs and traditions of the Tatar people, including gastronomy.

Cooperation between the cities will spread not only in the sphere of culture and tourism, but sports as well. Anne Hidalgo said that she is a big fan of water sports. She followed the World Championships in Aquatics 2015, which was held in Kazan, with great interest. According to her, she could not help but notice the extraordinary beauty of the city and the level of preparation in the broadcasts.

Ilsur Metshin invited Anne Hidalgo to visit Kazan. “Paris is a city, which is always a pleasure to visit. I hope that you, too, after a visit to Kazan, will appreciate and love our city”, the Mayor addressed to his colleague.

Anne Hidalgo expressed a desire to visit Kazan in 2017 and get acquainted with its experience in major sports projects and efficient use of sports facilities. According to the Mayor of Paris, this visit can be very helpful to the French capital, which claims the right to host the Olympic Games in 2024. “Come in Kazan, and we will charge Paris with emotions to win. And we will hold the Sabantui to bring to you our mood”, assured the Mayor of Kazan. In addition, it is planned to organize the visits of children's football clubs of Kazan and France in the field of sports.

Ilsur Metshin expressed the hope that all these measures will contribute to the strengthening of friendly relations between Kazan and Paris, the inhabitants of which has long heard of each other. Names of Rudolf Nureyev, Feodor Chaliapin, and Vasily Aksenov are known to many Parisians and the ability to “get acquainted” with the stories of these individuals closer is a great reason to visit the capital of Tatarstan, which is also inextricably linked with those names.

Kazan interest in Paris due to the fact that more than 9.5 million guests visit the recognized world capital of tourism annually. Here, work with tourists is organized at a high level: the Office of Tourism and the Paris Convention (Convention and Visitors Bureau) play a big role in this, which is responsible for receiving and informing guests of the city, as well as the promotion of the capital outside the country. At the same time, the capital of France carefully chooses partners in tourism development, giving priority to the largest players.

Kazan is also committed to the development of this promising sector, and equals only on the best examples. Around 2.4 million people from around the world visited Kazan for the first 11 months of 2016. The city leadership sets the task to increase the flow of tourists to 5 million people.