No Russian advisory lists
Goa as unsafe: Albuquerque
Consul in Goa says RIC doesn’t represent govt of Russia
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The Goan Network
PANAJI
Victor Albuquerque, honorary consul of the Russian Federation in Goa, on Tuesday said that the Russian government considers India and Goa safe for its tourists and there is no official statement saying otherwise.
Albuquerque was responding to a few media reports which had surmised that India is not a safe destination for Russians based on a press note sent by Russian Information Centre (RIC).
The press note had stated that Russian government is looking for safe destinations for its citizens post Egypt and Turkey crisis, but Russian authorities did not discuss Goa or India in the list of safe destinations. This was misinterpreted by certain sections of media as Goa and India were struck off from the safe destination list by Russia.
Albuquerque said, “The Consulate confirms that there has been no advisory regarding ‘India no longer a safe destination for Russians’ contrary to what has appeared in the Press.”
Albuquerque later added, “RIC is a private travel agency, which often helps Russian tourists in Goa when needed. But, it is in no way an official body. No official advisory from Russia says that Goa is unsafe.”
Albuquerque, however, mentioned that there are some minor issues which Russians face in Goa. He added, “There are minor irritants such as requiring tourists to return to their country in the same charter on which they have arrived in Goa. Similarly, extension of visas, loss of passports need to be streamlined so as to assure the tourists a hassle free stay in Goa.”
Francisco Braganca, president, Travel & Tour Association of Goa (TTAG), said, “Reports saying that India and Goa are unsafe for Russian tourists were false. RIC doesn’t represent the government of Russia. Goa is a very safe location and we welcome Russian tourists.”
