MONTEGO BAY, St James — FORMER tourism minister and Montego Bay businessman Francis Tulloch has been appointed Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Montego Bay and the western region.

Tulloch was presented at an investiture ceremony last week Tuesday at the Round Hill Hotel in Hanover. His appointment comes on the eve of 2015 when both countries will celebrate 40 years of friendly relations, and during which time Russian tourist arrivals to the island have increased significantly.

Russian ambassador to Jamaica, Vladimir Polenov in highlighting the positive relationship between both countries, said he was pleased with the increase in Russian visitors to Jamaica.

“Last year 12,000 Russian visitors travelled to Jamaica, representing a 600 per cent increase over 2012,” said the ambassador, who explained that this was indicative of growing interest in Jamaica by Russians.

“We are confident that the popularity of Jamaica, as a unique tourist destination among our people, will continue to grow, and look forward to the reopening of the programmes of direct flights from Moscow to Montego Bay at the beginning of the autumn/winter season,” he added.

Polenov also went on to laud the Russian language training courses being offered by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment to tourism personnel, describing it as a good and long-sighted decision.

The Ambassador said he was anticipating developments in trade opportunities, strengthening of friendly relations and tourism, which will be mutually beneficial.

In responding, the charismatic Tulloch expressed gratitude at the appointment, adding that he was humbled by the investiture. He also pledged to further improve the relations and trade between Russia and western Jamaica.