ST PETERSBURG (Russia), Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen is leading a delegation on a 12-day mission to Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine beginning Tuesday to woo tourists from the three countries to holiday in Malaysia.
During the visit, Ng is expected to attend trade meetings with key tourism trade players and hold media sessions with the local media in updating them on the latest tourism developments in Malaysia.
Based on records, Russian visitors to Malaysia has been growing from 16,868 in 2007 to 26,308 last year, which is a 56 per cent growth, and in the first six months of this year, 9,218 visitors from Russia have visited Malaysia.
Malaysia targets some 25,000 tourists from Moscow alone this year, and among the segments being promoted in Russia were leisure holidays, adventures and eco trips with destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Borneo, and the various islands.
According to Tourism Malaysia statistics, the average Russian tourist spent about RM402.70 (US$115.70) per day and their average duration of visit was 8.5 days.
