“We want tourism infrastructure working for the good of Tatarstan citizens and all those willing to know about the republican history”, Tatarstan PM Ildar Khalikov stated at the opening of I Kazan international tourism forum “Benchmarks of the future”.

The event is being held in Korston with participation of Chief of Federal tourism agency Alexandr Radkov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Finland to Russia Matti Anttonen, Minister of youth affairs, sport and tourism Rafis Burganov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin and other officials.

The forum is being held in Tatarstan capital under the auspices of RF Ministry of sport, tourism and youth policy, Federal tourism agency, RT Government, RT Ministry of youth affairs, sport and tourism. The forum was divided into three key parts: Kazan conference “International experience of tourism organization”, conference of business and event tourism “New event – the starting point for tourism development”, and meeting-seminar on inter-regional cooperation of parties to an agreement in the sphere of tourism between regions of Volga Federal District “features of organization and holding major newsworthy events”.

Ildar Khalikov welcomed the participants of the forum “Benchmarks of the future” on behalf of Tatarstan President. “We had to organize this forum earlier for Tatarstan, as the region with developed infrastructure, many objects interesting for tourists”, PM stressed and thanked moderator of the event - Deputy Editor-in-chief of newspaper “Vedomosti” Aleksandr Gubsky who initiated organization of the forum “Benchmarks of the future” in Kazan.

Ildar Khalikov informed total tourist flow in Tatarstan increases by 12 % every year. Volume of rendered tourism services made 5,2 bln roubles and increased 2,4 times since 2005.

Head of RT Government told about projects being realized in Republic - reconstruction of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk, preparation for World Universiade - 2013, World championship in water sports - 2015, and Football championship - 2018. “Much money is being invested in tourism infrastructure. We want it bringing results, for the good of Tatarstan residents and anyone willing to learn about the republican history”, he said.

Ildar Khalikov hopes forum “Benchmarks of the future” will favour solving many problems and traditional meeting area.