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Russian government extends measures to support tour operators in outbound tourism

Under the law, such tour operators were to pay annual contributions to the tour assistance reserve fund

MOSCOW, March 29. /TASS/. The Russian government has extended measures to support tour operators working in the sector of outbound tourism until 2024, according to the relevant order signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The copy of the document was obtained by TASS.

The authorities release such operators from paying contributions to the tour assistance reserve fund.

Under the law, such tour operators were to pay annual contributions to the tour assistance reserve fund. The amount of contribution size depends on the number of tourists over the previous year and can range from 50,000 to 500,000 rubles ($549-5,499).

However, in 2020-2023, due to the threat of the spread of Covid, and subsequently due to external sanctions pressure, the Russian government actually exempted tour operators from such contributions, setting them at one ruble. This measure has now been extended to 2024.

The document notes that the exception will be those operators who, upon joining the association, had not previously carried out activities in the field of outbound tourism.

This decision will not affect the provision of the rights of tourists, the fund has enough funds reserved for these purposes. The decision itself is aimed at supporting representatives of the tourism industry in conditions of restrictions caused by unfriendly actions of foreign states.

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