India–Tatarstan Tourism Pilot Proposed for 90 Days

Dragon Media Newsroom

Indian businessman Manish Singhal has proposed a 90-day pilot program to promote tourism between India and Tatarstan. Singhal, founder and chairman of the board of directors of Dimaz Group, said Kazan could become a hub for Russian-Indian tourism and business.

Speaking at a tourism session during the second Russian-Indian Business Forum in Kazan, Singhal outlined a three-stage plan. During the first 30 days, the sides would identify 10 to 15 potential partners each, select priority markets, form a working group, arrange familiarization visits and begin promotional activities. The aim would also be to generate customer inquiries and travel bookings.

In the second phase, by day 60, the plan is to develop three to five tour packages with transparent prices and service standards, hold business-to-business meetings and conduct pilot trips. After 90 days, the organizers would assess inquiries and bookings and decide how to expand the program, Singhal said.

He said Kazan’s historical heritage, multicultural environment, cuisine and events could introduce Indian tourists to new aspects of Russia. He also called for developing tourism and business services tailored to the Indian market in cooperation with local partners.

Singhal said Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sochi were established destinations for Indian customers, adding that the time had come to promote Kazan. He identified industrial tourism, which would allow Indian businesspeople to visit Tatarstan’s enterprises and learn about their production and operations, as well as winter tourism, which is gaining popularity among Indian visitors, as promising areas.

Dimaz Group operates in India in aviation, logistics, international trade, food, tourism and business event organization. The Russian-Indian Business Forum is being held in Kazan from October 14 to 17. Its program includes discussions on investment, industry, logistics, education, agriculture, health, culture, sports and tourism.