Russia plans to develop cruise routes with Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan

The Transport Ministry of Russia plans to modernize port infrastructure of Makhachkala and Derbent to develop international cruise routes with Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, Trend reported citing the Russian ministry.

In a statement, the ministry emphasized the importance of modernization and development of port infrastructure to accommodate cruise ships in the ports of Makhachkala and Derbent.

“This will also enable to develop the international routes with Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. For this, one should set up border checkpoints in the sea ports as well as conclude intergovernmental agreements,” the Russian Transport Ministry says.

The new cruise ship is expected to put out to the Caspian Sea next year.

The combined route will link the sea ports of Makhachkala and Astrakhan with the cities of Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd. The combined cruise is also expected to boost tourist flow in the Caspian region and increase the number of cruises in the Lower Volga.

Earlier, it was reported that 14,189 tourists from Central Asian countries flocked to Azerbaijan, marking a 10 percent uptick against the last year indicator at 12,951.