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On November 10, Head of the Republic of Karelia Sergey Katanandov welcomed Sergey Shpilko, President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry. They discussed a wide range of questions related to development of tourism in the republic and in Russia as a whole.

Sergey Shpilko has rated tourist prospects of Karelia, both natural, and cultural, very high. He says, he has been surprised, that Kizhi was not included in the list of Russia's miracles: "Architecturally it is the level of Taj Mahal, it is not just a line in the list of the world heritage, it is its top!" – Sergey Shpilko said.

Having got aqcuainted with activity of the Government of Karelia on development of tourism, the guest has responded about this work with appreciation:

– In a very few constituent territories of the Russian Federation so much is done for tourism development as in Karelia. And it is being done very precisely, delicately, and ably. It is a true example of the territorial subject where state regulation is not related to attempts 'to boss around', to divide the market, but intended for stimulation, development of material resources, and professional training. It is the kind of approach which we lack so much in other regions where tourism is often considered only as an appendage to other branches.

In the opinion of Sergey Shpilko, Karelia's prospects are very impressing, but, unfortunately, their development is constrained by problems which decision does not depend on the republic, such as the visa and frontier system, investment climate in the country as a whole, development of transport infrastructure, construction of airports, construction of cruise fleet.

– Most of all we are disturbed with growth of costs which objectively reduces competitiveness of the Russian and Karelian tourism, – Sergey Shpilko has told. – All tariffs grow, the new year will bring the new rise. How are we to compete? In the European countries taxation of hotel business decreases consistently, other preferences are created, while we don't even breathe a word of it. How should our companies compete at the existing transport tariffs? The sum of thirty euros today is enough to travel across Germany by a comfortable train which moves at the speed of 250 kilometers per hour. And you know how far it is possible to go with such money at home and with what comfort, and at what speed...

Discussing these issues with Sergey Katanandov, Sergey Shpilko has met full understanding and interest. Head of the Republic has expressed readiness to raise and solve tasks at the highest state level together with representatives and heads of the tourist branch.

– All these issues should be written down, obtain corresponding support and reach people and decision-making bodies at the national level, – Sergey Katanandov said. – We shall support your initiatives together with other regions which are interested in development of tourism.

The parties have agreed on specific ways of cooperation.