Inspired by the success of Russia-China tourism year, Italy has addressed a similar proposal to the Russian Culture and Tourism Ministries.

      The first-ever cross-country tourism year between Russia and China has ended in November 2012. Although on a small budget, the Russian organisers managed to produce spectacular results. The number of tourist applications from China has increased by 41,5%, compared to the previous year. In total, nearly 800 thousand Chinese citizens visited Russia this year. The Tourism Year was marked by Beijing-Moscow auto rally and a specialised tourism forum.

      A suggestion from the Italian side has already been approved by Russia's Foreign, Culture, and Tourism Ministries. The first round of consultations has already taken place in Moscow, and the second is scheduled for the BIT Tourism Exhibition in Milan in February 2013.