Irina Tyurina, press secretary of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI), stated that the abolition of the visa regime between Russia and Jamaica will not in any way affect the tourist flow from Russia in the upward direction until the authorities begin an information campaign to promote tourism opportunities in this area in the country.
According to RIA Novosti, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith signed an agreement to abolish visa requirements for both countries, which will take effect on November 27, 2018. The document was signed at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.
Incidentally, Irina Tyurina confirmed that some TOs have been organizing charter flights to Jamaica since 2013. This beach destination is often chosen by Russian tourists during the winter season.
"Russians have never required a visa to Jamaica for stays of up to 30 days. However, it's not a cheap destination. Prices for a Jamaican vacation start at 130,000 rubles per week for two in a 3-star hotel and 200,000 rubles in a 5-star hotel. Completely waiving visas for Russians arriving in Jamaica won't affect tourist flow, as few of our compatriots visit for more than 30 days," she said.
Representatives of the Russian Union of Travel Industry believe that three essential conditions must be met to develop this destination: direct flights, a visa-free regime, and promotion of the destination in Russia.
"The first and second conditions alone are not enough for this destination to develop in our country. Currently, Jamaica offers direct flights and a visa-free regime, but there's a complete lack of information about this destination. If Jamaica wants Russian tourists to travel there, especially in such a critical market situation as the current one, it needs to actively promote its opportunities in Russia. The lack of information about this tourist destination significantly curbs demand," added Irina Tyurina, press secretary for the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI).
Source: trn-news.ru
