The Russia Federal Agency for Tourism got the final research data of how foreign travellers see Russia. The research was carried by the High school of Economics. The research was being carried from the middle of March to the beginning of April, 2012, travellers from 36 countries were questioned, apart from CIS countries, who spoke English and spent in Russia more than 1 day. The research was carried in 5 Moscow hotels (203 respondents) and 8 St. Petersburg hotels (100 respondents).  The average age of the travellers, who took part in the inquiry, is not more than 42. The number of the respondents who visit Russia on travelling purposes (42.2%) and on business purposes is almost equal.

As it turned out, the majority of the foreigners still under the influence of stereotypes about Russia  - it is associated with historical places of interest and orthodox culture, and also with a traditional set of vodka, caviar and matryoshka. Unfortunately, they have no idea of other opportunities: treatment at health resorts, balneal treatment, active travelling and many others.

According to the research, on the whole foreign travellers treat Russia as a tourist trend with big interest , 66.3% of them said they have changed their opinion about Russia after visited it, among them 90.5% - now think of Russia better. At the same time 88.4% of the travellers recommend their friends and colleagues visiting Russia.

It is interesting that only 2.6% of the respondents called Russia an unfriendly country, 28.4% disagree with this and 35% ‘rather disagree’. About 40% of the respondents don’t think of Russia as of a country, not convenient for travelling.