VTB Wednesday announced it was ready to provide working capital to major Russian travel agency, Lanta Tour Voyazh after  Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ordered  the Minister of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko resolve all problems surrounding tourists who are stranded abroad due to the agency suspending operations due to cashflow problems. Over 2,500 Russians are stranded abroad, some with passports held by hotel operators who are refusing to allow them to leave without payment.

Marriott International has opened its first hotel in Siberia, the 208-room Courtyard by Marriott Irkutsk City Center.

Centrally located within walking distance of the Kirov Square, Angara River and the historic Drama Theatre, the hotel is perfectly situated to explore the sights of Eastern Siberia. Irkutsk, located along the Trans-Siberian Railway, is also 70km in distance from the UNESCO world heritage site of Lake Baikal -- the world's largest fresh water lake.

"We are excited to enter new destinations like Siberia and see great potential for further expansion of our Courtyard by Marriott brand here in Eastern Europe," said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe.  "This is also the first branded hotel in Irkutsk, an important energy hub of Europe."