I. Metshin: “Not only the infrastructure of the city but also the mentality of its inhabitants is changing”

(KZN.RU, July 3, Alsu Safina). Today at the Business Monday, Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, called the main results of the Confederations Cup that ended yesterday: the absence of accidents, the friendliness and openness of Kazan citizens, the high appreciation given to the city for hosting the tournament by guests, footballers, and fans. Four matches that took place in the capital of Tatarstan at the stadium “Kazan Arena” gathered more than 155 thousand people, including about 5 thousand fans from Mexico, Portugal, Chile, and Germany.

Ilsur Metshin noted that Kazan received high marks from the leadership of the FIFA, heads of national teams’ delegations, the country's leadership, the organizing committee, football players, and fans in the process of preparing and holding the tournament. “A lot of work has been done, a lot of effort has been put”, said the Mayor and added that Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of Tatarstan, kept the whole process of preparation and holding of the Confederations Cup under control.

The Mayor drew attention to the fact that in the days of the Confederations Cup, the tournament was discussed at a meeting of the head of the republic with members of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture, Sport, Tourism, and Youth Affairs. The great experience of Kazan in carrying out world-class events was noted during it. “The preparation of these events is not an emergency mode but in an organized, systematic manner, according to a plan, where everyone knows what to do”, marked I. Metshin.

More than 700 journalists from 38 TV and radio companies, news agencies covered the games of the Confederations Cup and cultural and entertainment events (there were more than 50 of them in the city these days).

“It's pleasing that the federal and foreign media noted the friendliness of our city and residents”, said I. Metshin. “I want to thank the citizens who meet guests together with us and create an atmosphere of hospitality and friendliness. Each such event takes the city to a new level. What is important, not only the infrastructure but also the mentality of people is changing”.

During the days of the Confederations Cup, Mexican journalists have done a movie about Kazan, which will be showed in the travel program “Destinos del mundo” on the channel “Mexico Travel Chanel”.

A special atmosphere during the tournament was created by volunteers as well.

“The main result of the Confederations Cup is that it passed without emergency situations and surprises”, believes the Mayor. He thanked the organizing committee and all those who provided order. “Unprecedented security measures were taken during the preparation and holding of the tournament”, he said.

According to the Mayor, all the experience gained will be useful during the World Cup-2018. “Despite the flattering reviews and appreciation of the Confederation Cup, we still have much to do. We saw our faults, there is no limit to perfection”, said the Mayor.

Thus, Damir Fattakhov, the first deputy head of the Executive Committee, noted that it is necessary to optimize the issue of organizing traffic. According to him, the “last mile” for the World Cup-2018 should become more convenient for citizens and visitors of the city. The question of the correct distribution of transport will be studied. "There were days when there were about 50 empty buses towards one direction, and in the other one, people were getting into transport tightly. We will work on our mistakes”, assured the first deputy head of the Executive Committee.

In addition, in the near future, the meeting will be held with the participation of the Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers. They will discuss the menu in English among other things.

Another issue to be worked out is related to the summer verandas. “We agreed that we will discuss with restaurants in advance, in which form and style we will organize these verandas”, said the first deputy head of the Executive Committee.