Russian North and Arctic Regions Welcome 3 Million Tourists in 2024
The Russian North and Arctic regions have become increasingly popular destinations, welcoming approximately 3 million tourists throughout 2024. This growth marks a significant achievement for domestic tourism development and follows the government’s efforts to reveal the potential of these unique areas.
During a working visit to Arkhangelsk and the Solovetsky Islands, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko announced, "The number of tourist trips across Russia is steadily growing, including in the regions of the Russian North and Arctic. Only in 2024, three million people visited them - this is 7% more than in 2023." This surge has been attributed to both Russian visitors and foreign travelers drawn to the unspoiled beauty and cultural heritage of the regions.
Interestingly, over 1.3 million tourists explored the Arctic territories during this period, reflecting strong growth, particularly from areas like Vologda and Karelia, where approximately 700,000 trips were logged. Notably, the Murmansk region stood out among Arctic areas, attracting nearly half a million visits.
Chukotka enjoyed the most remarkable increase, with its visitor numbers jumping more than twofold. Another substantial rise was observed across the Murmansk region (up 18.6% from 2023), Krasnoyarsk Krai (16.1% increase), and Yakutia (10.6% rise). These trends suggest favorable conditions for domestic tourism fueled by growing interest from both locals and international tourists, including over 75,000 foreign visitors recorded this past year.
Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development, remarked, "The growing interest in the Russian North and Arctic is not accidental. The unique nature and culture of these territories attract more and more Russian and foreign tourists. The development of tourist infrastructure promotes their attraction." Tips from the government indicate this trend is likely to continue.
One focal point of these improvements is the national project "Tourism and Hospitality," which seeks to develop tourist infrastructure, train industry professionals, and promote travel both domestically and internationally. Chernyshenko underscored the government's commitment to enhancing amenities for visitors. "Over the past two years, 570 million rubles have been allocated to regions within the Arctic zone to facilitate the development of tourist modules and infrastructure."
These funds have supported various large hotel complexes boasting approximately 1,100 rooms, as well as the innovative glamping and modular hotel construction efforts sprinkled along the Barents Sea and the Onega Lakes.
Chernyshenko highlighted specific projects beneficial to boosting local tourism such as the ski resort "Ray Iz" located on the Polar Ural, heralded as a major attraction point for both Russian and foreign guests, thanks to government support through soft loan programs.
Moving forward, these developments not only promise to sustain the interest and growth of tourism to the Russian North and Arctic but also aim to align with President Vladimir Putin’s ambitious goal of nearly doubling the national tourist traffic to 140 million by 2030. Achieving this involves encouraging regional attendance and nurturing favorable travel experiences across the country.
By strengthening tourism-related infrastructure and services, Russian authorities have positioned themselves to offer high-quality experiences to visitors, enabling them to appreciate the pristine landscapes and rich cultures of the North and Arctic. With consistent investments and strategic planning, they aim to transform these regions not just as hidden gems but as premier destinations recognized worldwide, blending natural beauty with extraordinary hospitality.