The head of the world’s most important cruise ship operator admires MITF

Carnival Corporation’s Vice President Will Harber timed his visit to Moscow to 12th MITF trade fair held in Moscow’s Gostiniy Dvor from 18 to 20 May. Being pleased with the atmosphere, he communicated with guests at Atlantis Line Company's booth - Carnlival Cruise Lines leading partner in Russia. “This trade show revealed to me how cruises are promoted in Russia. It also gives consumers a complete picture of what a cruise vacation is. It’s very valuable for Carnival Cruise Line that Atlantis Line booth has a nice location and is noticeable”, - he explained to RATA-news’ correspondent at MITF.

During his visit Mr. Harber and Sergey Shpilko, the Head of Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI), discussed the possibility of cruise market’s expansion. “We’re ready to support any start-ups of foreign cruise companies or Russian tour operators in promoting cruises on our market. Owing to their industry, more and more foreign liners touch at Russian ports which means Russia receives more tourists”, - noted Mr. Shpilko.

The Head of RUTI and the Carnival’s Vice President agreed on systematic information exchange. “We want to be in the know of Carnival’s just launched destinations and foreign passengers’ priorities so that we could provide them with best services”, - said Mr. Shpilko during the meeting.

In 2011 Carnival’s liners were docked in St. Petersburg’s Marine facade for 200 days. Every docking day brings additional revenues at the expense of passengers.

“We’re pleased with the high rates given by the Top Manager of the world’s cruise industry to Russian market’s availability and the MITF trade fair that took an active part in its organization. We’re glad that Mr. Harber admired Moscow and is willing to come back here with his family”, - noted the General Director of Atlantis Line Company Natalya Andronova.

This year MITF trade frair, held in Gostiniy Dvor for 12^th time, whipped up more than 400 companies. For the second time the fair was held not in professional, but in consumer concept. Tour operators offered their products with discounts and directly to the guests.