Ilsur Metshin: "Next year, Kazan should host 2.5 million visitors"

(Kazan, KZN.RU, November 19, by Zilya Gayfi). The capital of Tatarstan continues to set new tourism records. According to the preliminary results, 1.8 million tourists have visited Kazan this year. This number should be increased to 2.5 million next year. Such goals were set before the tourism industry by Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin. During a business breakfast at the hotel "Ramada," the mayor discussed with leading restaurateurs and hoteliers problems and prospects of tourism business, preparations for hosting visitors over the New Year holidays and during the 2015 aquatic championships.

Massive influx of tourists to Kazan, mainly from Russia, is expected for the coming New Year holidays. "Tens of thousands are accustomed to spending the New Year holidays outside their hometowns. The habit has turned into a good family tradition. We must use the Holiday Season for promoting tourism," said Ilsur Metshin.

According to Elena Voitko, "Kazan Riviera" hotel commercial director, tourist flow to Kazan over the New Year's holidays could be increased by arranging festive entertainment. Most of the participants of the meeting agreed with her, saying that such winter fun as street festivals and fairs are absolutely undeveloped in Kazan. The mayor supported the idea of fairs and suggested that they be held on Mardjani Street.

The participants agreed that Kazan has already become a tourist center, but the city is insufficiently advertised outside the republic. "Kazan is in demand over the New Year's holidays, but there is no comprehensive program for visitors. We lack one or two common promotional ideas for all the hotels and restaurants," said the chairman of the State Committee for Tourism of the Republic of Tatarstan, Sergei Ivanov.

Kazan should demonstrate its hospitality during the 2015 aquatic championships. "Kazan is facing new problems on the eve of the championships. Of course, the capital of Tatarstan has the Universiade experience, but in its the scale and numbers of participants, this event will certainly be of a higher caliber. Russia will host the championship for the first time, and it will be an event of primary importance," said the mayor.

In conclusion, Ilsur Metshin urged hoteliers and restaurateurs to develop concrete proposals on branding and event tourism, which can be implemented in the short and long term.