Charter flights from Moscow

Chanuka Mannapperuma

Russian tour operators are planning to introduce charter flights from Moscow to Colombo and large tour operators have also shown an interest in operating joint charters. Two such charters have already been finalised for the Christmas and winter season.

This is subsequent to a visit to Moscow by a delegation from Sri Lanka Tourism led by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Faizer Musthapha and the discussions held with key charter operators.

Russia is a market with tremendous potential and air connectivity between Russia and Colombo is one of the biggest drawbacks to develop this market to achieve its full potential.

"There are a number of charters operating from Russia to other destinations in the South Asian region and we should make every endeavour to get a share of this market for Sri Lanka," Deputy Minister of Tourism, Faizer Musthapha said.

The Deputy Minister confirmed that he had met all leading charter operators and it was extremely encouraging to see the tremendous interest shown in Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, by the operators.