A two-day Indo-Russian Travel and Tourism Fair came to an end on Thursday in Thiruvanthapuram city of India's Kerala state, where several delegates opened up about Kerala following Goa in becoming a popular tourist destination for Russian tourists.
Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation and Director of the Russian Cultural Centre in Trivandrum Ratheesh C.Nair told Sputnik that India is one of five countries recommended by the Russian government for safe travel, and Kerala's ayurveda traditional medical treatment is a major attraction among foreign tourist.
"Kerala's ayurveda is very famous among Russians. Yoga, apart from ayurveda, is in major demand among Russians," Nair said.
He also pointed out that the tourism and cultural exchange between Russia and India will play a major role in promoting people-to-people diplomacy.
"Through tourism, we can get introduced to Russian culture, India's culture, cuisine, tradition, architecture, literature, so by promoting tourism, a bridge of friendship between [the] people of Russia and India can be cemented," Nair added.
From being a hub for ayurveda to experiencing sunny beaches and waterfalls, staying in emerald backwaters, sprawling and lush tea estates and spice plantations and pristine hill stations covered in coconut groves, Kerala state has been a major attraction for tourists worldwide.
Another delegate from Russia pointed out that medical tourism is one of the big factors that is drawing foreigners to Kerala.
"It's a perfect destination for medical tourism and it's also going to improve the travel relationship between Russia and India. It’s something different and a new experience for Russian travelers," the delegate said.
Zlata Antusheva of Moscow's Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations told Sputnik that the Indo-Russian Travel and Tourism Fair is a great opportunity to strengthen ties and will help deepen the collaboration in the tourism and hospitality sector.
"There are big opportunities and potential in India-Russia tourism that we can tap and further develop," Antusheva said.