Venezuela to continue to receive Russian tourists

MOSCOW. March 4 (Interfax) - Venezuelan Tourism Minister Ali Padron Paredes has confirmed in a phone call with Russian Federal Tourism Agency head Zarina Doguzova that Venezuela will continue to receive Russian tourists, the Federal Tourism Agency said in a statement on Thursday.

"The minister underlined that Russia is a friend and a strategic partner of Venezuela. He assured the Russian side that Venezuela remains a safe destination and is ready to continue to receive Russian tourists," the statement said.

The minister confirmed air traffic between Venezuela and Russia and said that Conviasa flights were available.

"The temporary restrictions on flights of Russian airlines to Latin American countries, i.e., Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, are a forced measure caused exclusively by the closure of the airspace of certain countries. We are hoping for the soonest settlement of the situation and the resumption of mutual tourist exchanges with the region, which is a popular travel destination for Russian tourists," Doguzova said.

According to the Russian Federal Security Service's Border Service, 8,100 Russians, including 5,300 tourists, visited Venezuela in 2021.