Kovalam welcomes Russian tourists with bated breath

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the havoc they have supposedly wreaked in Goa, Kovalam is deeply suspicious of Russian tourists. But it seems that the beach destination, which is fast losing steam, will have no choice but to adapt to the reality of increasing Russian arrivals.

An average Russian traveller, it is said, is as choosy as a gypsy. “They are basically epicureans and the aesthetics of a destination, which attracts other Europeans, do not hold much value for them,” said Jacob Gonsalves, a tourism consultant. What matters to them is availability, not quality.

“Unlike the English or the Germans, Russians are not experience-seekers. Therefore, putting a premium on tourism products will put them off,” Mr Gonsalves.

Though Kerala Tourism has traditionally positioned Kovalam as a high-end destination, the gradual desertion of the destination by other Europeans might force a re-think.

After all, it was the Russians who had come to the state’s help when the English charters deserted Kovalam. If the 2012 season looked slightly better than the previous three, it was because a Russian charter operated continuously for over three months flying in nearly 10,000 Russians to Kovalam.

Still, luring the Russians could be counterproductive. Russians, even during the Soviet era, had the image of pot-smoking double-dealers, a perception fuelled in no small measure by Hollywood blockbusters. Even a decade ago, our planners never did anything proactive to invite travellers from Russia. The industry is worried about what is known as the Goa effect.

“Tourism in Goa started to flounder after the Russians started arriving in large numbers,” said Madhav of familytrip.

What’s more, guests from the UK and Germany are seen to be uneasy about having Russians around. “This dislike could have stemmed from the perception that Russians are by nature aloof. Russians do not even mingle with the locals, something which European tourists are eager to do,” Mr Madhav said.