PANAJI: The Russian tourists visiting Goa will now get round-the-clock online assistance with the opening of a Russian Information Centre here.
Russian Information Centre in Goa, pioneered by Tara Leisure Travel Pvt Ltd, one of the largest tourism operators in Goa catering to Russian tourists, was inaugurated here in the presence of Alexey M Mzareulov, Deputy Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai.
Consul General of Russian Federation in Goa, Victor Albuquerque was also present at the function.
“The information centre will be located at Candolim in North Goa and Benaulim in South Goa,” Ekaterina Belyakova, managing partner of Tara Travel said.
The information centre is set up to help Russian tourists hand pick right type of accommodation, travel and transfer options, tour guides and other handy services like dry cleaning or kids-friendly restaurants in Goa, she said.
According to official figures, 2,50,000 Russian tourists visited Goa last year, surpassing the traditional UK travelers who top the list of visitors to the coastal state.
“It a well-known fact that Russian tourists often face difficulties in finding comprehensive information about Goa, its tourist infrastructure, sightseeing options and many other facilities that make stay in Goa really enjoyable, most of the time because of the language barrier,” Belyakova said.
The offices at Candolim and Benaulim and a round-the-clock call centre with Russian-speaking operators will be of great help to them, she said.
The idea to create a place where any Russian can come with his or her problem was in the pipeline for many years, and not only among Russians living and working here but among Indian business community and even tourism sector authorities.
The project was supported by Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai and the Consulate in Goa. It was also appreciated by Goa Department of Tourism, she said.
Another mission of Russian Information Centre in Goa is to promote Russia, its culture and traditions, language and tourism opportunities among Indians living and visiting there.
“We will be providing essential information about Russia for those Indians interested in our country and thus promoting Russia’s multifarious opportunities and culture,” she added. -PTI
