Vodohod presented Russian river cruises for Middle East countries

In November, Vodohod took part at Qatar Travel Mart 2023 that brought together more than 250 travel and hospitality professionals from 60 countries. The freshness of Russian river cruises was perceived in hot Qatar as a real exotica.

Qatar Travel Mart 2023 was held from 20 to 22 November in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Vodohod presented the possibilities of cruise holidays in Russia in the Luxury and Premium segments for the countries of the Persian Gulf.

Russia's cooperation with the countries of the Greater Middle East is currently one of the priority areas on the international economic agenda of all parties. In this regard, representatives of the tourism and MICE industry from the Persian Gulf countries showed high interest in tourist exchange and business trips between our countries. The cruise itineraries presented by Vodohod have been recognized by GCC partners as the most comfortable options for travelling in Russia, when a business program is conveniently combined with an educational holiday. During the cruise, business negotiations can be held right on board the ship, free time can be spent getting acquainted with Russian culture.

"When we showed our GCC partners a map of cruise routes around Russia, they were pleasantly surprised that all the main cities and sights they were interested in were concentrated along rivers or on the shores of lakes, and it was possible to see them on a cruise trip from the water without numerous transfers and hotel changes. For hot countries, where sands and deserts prevail, this is a special exotica," said Elena Karmanova, Chief of the Incoming Department at Vodohod.

The participants of the exhibition paid special attention to the Two Capitals cruise, which allows to see not only the two main cities of Russia - Moscow and St. Petersburg - but also to visit ancient cities with rich history, to get acquainted with the nature of Karelia and at the same time to relax in a comfortable floating 5* hotel.

Expedition cruises on the Yenisey river and Baikal lake have also aroused keen interest, but so far the partners are cautiously studying the logistics and duration of such tours. Tourists from the GCC more often travel for short periods of 3 to 5 days, so travelling in Russia for more than a week is still hypothetical for them.