Russian ambassador-at-large to the European Union, Anwar Azimov, and the director general of home affairs at the European Commission, Stefano Manservisi, will both deliver keynote speeches at the forthcoming European Tour Operators Association Russian Seminar.

The event will be held in Brussels on the February 6th.

It is the latest in ETOA’s Origin Markets Series and looks at the opportunities and challenges for tourism between Russia and the rest of Europe.

At a recent EU-Russia summit in Brussels the possibility of visa-free travel between the EU and Russia was high on the agenda with Russian president Dmitry Medvedev expressing his support for such a move.

The seminar is a golden chance for the travel industry to hear what progress is being made and equally for policy makers to hear from the tourism professionals.

Russian experts from within the industry and other fields will also be present, with an afternoon dedicated to working with the Russian market and how the country promotes itself as a destination.

“We are delighted that the Ambassador and the Director General will be taking part”, said Nick Greenfield, ETOA’s head of tour operator relations.

“Russia represents a growing and important market for tourism to the EU, while as a destination it offers a wealth of attractions. ETOA welcomes moves towards easing the visa regime, as our research in recent years underlines the damage that visa processes can have on tourism. Besides, one of ETOA’s founding principles is to bring together the travel industry and decision makers at a national and European level.

“Tourism is hugely important to Europe’s economy and we have to encourage and enable this discourse.”

The event is kindly sponsored and hosted by the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Brussels and is supported by the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce.

For further details please visit the official website.