Sochi takes a positive step forward in its plans to become an international travel destination.

Sochi, Russia, April 25, 2006 – The Sochi 2014 bid made a significant step forward with the recent news that four of the city’s hotels received official certification of State Classification from
the Federal Tourism Agency, Rostourism.

The certificates attest that the hotels have been officially classified as three-star properties and comply with international hospitality standards. The certification demonstrates progress that has been made to date in the improvement of the city’s accommodation.

Sochi, the leading Russian resort on the Black Sea, has historically attracted millions of visitors annually. Tourists come to Sochi to enjoy its Mediterranean-style beaches and the warm blue sea, framed by the scenic mountain landscape.

Russian Government approved a concept of a US$11.7 billion investment program to upgrade the region to the level of a year-round world-class resort destination, which includes improved
accommodation in all hotel categories – from budget to luxury.

Currently, the coastal and the mountain areas offer approximately 20,700 hotel rooms in 3-star to 5-star categories. The development of more than 23,000 new hotel rooms of 3-star to 5-star quality is planned before 2014.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, Sochi 2014 Bid CEO, commented: “We are very excited about this positive news, as accommodation is a vital element in successfully hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. We are pleased to know that international travelers will have more opportunities to discover this unique part of the world.

“The Sochi 2014 team strongly believes in the tourism potential of this area. The 2014 Olympic Winter Games would help showcase Sochi to the whole world — not just its summer, but also its winter beauty. What’s more, the Games would serve as a catalyst for the development of the region and would provide a huge boost to the regional economy and year-round tourism, enhancing the impact of the federal investment programme.”

For further information, please contact:
Sochi 2014 Bid Committee
Andrey Braginski
media@sochi2014.com
tel: +7 495 7394649