Holidaying in Russia just got a little more expensive

Budget-conscious holidaymakers in Russia may have to cut back on an icecream or two – Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a proposal to introduce a tourist tax.

The decision was made at a meeting of the presidium of the Russian State Council, with the participation of finance minister Anton Siluanov and the governor of the Altai and Krasnodar regions.

Tourists need not worry too much though, as the fee is set to be only between 50 and 100 rubles ($0.77–$1.54). Mr Putin was quick to calm any fears, noting that paying the tax would be a simple process and that the money collected would strictly go towards developing tourism infrastructure. He stressed that the Ministry of Finance should not reduce support for the regions where the tax is in place.

According to RIA Novosti, the regions taking part in the pilot programme will be Altai, Krasnodar, the Caucasian Mineral Waters region, and the disputed territory of Crimea.

Source: Afisha (in Russian)