Russia to tap Kerala's Ayurveda potential

A Russian delegation comprising leading tour operators and senior advisors of the Russian Tourism Department who arrived at Kerala recently, were invited by the south India based Mir group to help them assess the hidden potential for ayurveda tourism in Kerala, and to explore the scope of promoting ayurveda tourism through large-scale charter operations from Russia to Kerala.

Every year, Russia pays host to over 19 million outbound travellers who enjoy health and wellness tours; albeit at a substantial cost. According to the delegates, there is a rising demand for ayurveda in Russia. With its popularity and efficacy of treatments, more and more tourists look to Kerala as a prime spot that has an abundance of ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies, yoga practices, natural spas, beach resorts and traditional homestays. Of late, the popularity of ayurveda has been soaring and the Russia's top travel agency 'Beauty Link', is being approached by well-funded clients to include an ayurveda dimension to their holiday experiences.

The fitness club in Russia, Planetta Fitness Club, which was represented by senior expert, Ms Vinogradova Veronika, also enjoys a growing network of 180,000 members. The club has immediate plans to include ayurvedic therapies for its members and also arrange ayurveda tours to Kerala. Furthermore, The Centre for the Preparation of Olympic Reserve, run by the Government of Russia and Russian Olympic Federation, has shown attention in helping Russian athletes and sports persons recover from injuries through Ayurvedic treatments.

Following the discussions, the Mir group plans to collaborate with the delegation for organising charter operations from Russia to Kerala. The group's travel & tourism wing, Mir Tours is popular among global travellers for their inbound & outbound tour operations. The division also functions as the handling agents for major tour operations from Russia and other overseas countries.