27 Dec 2010 15:19

Russia to pump 8 bln rubles into tourism industry

MOSCOW. Dec 27 (Interfax) - Russia will spend 8 billion rubles on its tourism industry in the next few years, Vitaly Mutko, the minister for sport and tourism, told reporters.

"We ranked 53rd in the competitive standings [in the field of tourism] and tourism brings in 2.5% of GDP," Mutko said.

Russia does not have enough hotels and other infrastructure, and roads are in poor condition, he said.

Mutko said "8 billion rubles will be allocated for tourism to put this right in the next few years."

Revenue from tourism could rise to 6.5% of GDP by 2017 if a special program is successful, he said.