Russians are being taught how to smile in welcoming tourists as World Cup kicks off in 24-hours

Workers in Russia are being taught how to smile in a bid to be more welcoming to tourists during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off tomorrow.  

According to the BBC, Russians do not smile as much as other Europeans. An article in The Atlantic attempts to explain why when it loosely translates a Russian proverb: "Laughing for no reason is a sign of stupidity."

However, there's now a reason to smile as Russian news agency Tass claims that 1.5 million foreign tourists are expected in Russia during the World Cup. To prepare for all the tourists, workers in key companies like FIFA, Russian Railways, and Moscow Metro are all undergoing unique training.  

The BBC says the world governing body for football and the two Russian transport firms are teaching staff how to smile. The report says that "Russian train conductors are being taught how to smile at foreigners," in an effort to tackle the stereotype that its people are unfriendly.