December 2, 2015.
Negating recent media reports, honorary consul of the Russian Federation in Goa, Victor Albuquerque, said the consulate does not subscribe to the items circulated by the Russian information centre (RIC), a private travel agency operating in Goa, that has sourced its information from Interfax which is, again, a private news agency.
Albuquerque, along with travel and tourism association of Goa (TTAG) president Francisco de Braganca on Tuesday told medipersons that the consulate confirmed there has been no advisory. He also clarified that any advisory to Russian citizens will only be issued by the Russian government and will be made available through its consulate.
November 29, 2015. Panaji:
The Russian Information Centre in Panaji dismissed media reports which claimed that India and Goa have been 'struck off' from the list of 'safe' travel destinations recommended for Russian citizens, saying its earlier statement was "misconstrued".
As reported earlier--
Goa is a Dangerous Travel Destination : Russia
A Russian Fighter jet was shot down by Turkey a few days ago for allegedly violating its airspace. A Russian passenger plane exploded over the Sinai peninsula.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had cancelled all the flights heading towards Egypt. He urged the citizens of Russia to cancel their vacations in Turkey. Then, in a tough advisory to its citizens, Russia has struck off India from the list of safe travel destinations. |
| Goa: A Top Beach Destination for Russians |
The decision comes as a major blow to Goa as most of its foreign tourists comprise of Russians who constitute almost half of the total foreign visitor in Goa. Since 2002, the number of Russian tourists has been on the rise steadily. In 2013, the number of Russian tourists visiting Goa was 250,000.
Goa is likely to be hit hard by this travel advisory to its citizens. It is already witnessing a reduction in the arrival of Russian tourists after the devaluation of rouble.
Commenting on Russia’s decision, head of the Russian information centre, Ekaterina Belyakova said, “Both India and Goa were not considered as good destinations for Russian travellers.” Among the destinations which are tagged safe for Russian tourists now include, Cuba, Southern China and south Vietnam.
