OREANDA-NEWS The approval by the Russian government of a draft agreement on mutual visa-free exchange with Saudi Arabia creates the potential to strengthen Russia's position in the international tourism market, said Artur Muradian, member of the Board of the Russian Union of Travel Industry and CEO of Space Travel.

The Russian government has approved a draft agreement with Saudi Arabia on the mutual abolition of visa requirements, and a corresponding decree has been posted on the official publication portal of legal acts.

Muradian called this step positive and recalled that Saudi air carriers are actively increasing their flight programs.
He also noted that Saudi tourists are among the most sought-after in the world.

"They are generous, grateful and very interested in new experiences. The opportunity to receive more such guests will allow the Russian tourism industry to increase its workload during periods of seasonal decline in domestic demand, especially in summer, when the outbound flow of Russians is traditionally growing," Muradyan said, as quoted by the PCT press service.

"Thus, the new agreement creates a real potential for a multiple increase in bookings and strengthening Russia's position in the international tourism market," the expert concluded.