Tourism industry dropped 10% this year due to what many people call complicated visa procedures.
Foreign visitors complain they lose time and money. Visa charges could total $400 – a pretty sum, especially given that tourists are about to travel to one of the most expensive cities, in case their destination is Moscow.
Authorities are addressing the issue hoping to outweigh negative factors by easier rules and benefits for certain categories of citizens.
Talks are on with EU, one of the biggest tourist partners. Despite some sticking points, October might be the crucial month for negotiations.