Arctic Tourism Week in Norilsk was a resounding success, attracting roughly 300 experts from more than 30 organizations, including representatives from the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, and the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment. The event focused on tourism, which is one of the top priorities and most significant areas of development in accordance with the Development Strategy for the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation until 2035.
During the 12 business sessions and discussions held during Arctic Tourism Week, guests and participants discussed ways to attract various kinds of investors to the tourism sector in the northern latitudes. The experts considered both successful examples of tours being organized to the Far North, as well as new trends in creating tourism products. These included expeditions, viewing the northern lights, reindeer riding, trekking through the untouched natural sites of the North, cruises to the Arctic, and gastronomic trips.
Benefits of Arctic Tourism for the Economy and People’s Patriotism
“The Arctic territory has a special legal regime that is constantly being improved. Any investor who comes to the Arctic already has benefits. In addition, we are implementing the Far Eastern and Arctic hectare programmes, which also contribute to the development of tourism. Without question, the event in Norilsk should become one of the milestones that will help move towards the development of Arctic tourism as a measure that contributes to both the development of the economy and boosts the level of people’s patriotism,” said State Secretary and Deputy Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, Pavel Volkov.
Arctic Tourism Week: Master Planning of Territories and Joint Work
The experts noted that the master planning of territories and the joint work of various organizations in Norilsk have made it possible to enhance the investment appeal of the tourism industry and consolidate the efforts of companies operating in the city. Local entrepreneurs have already invested over RUB 3 billion to create new facilities and modernize existing infrastructure.
Agreement Signed on the Creation of a Tourist Visitor Centre
During the Forum, an agreement was signed on the creation of a tourist visitor centre in Norilsk, an information platform and a unified system to sell all available tourism products to the city’s guests and residents. They will be able to obtain information about local tourism products, sights, and the region’s historical values, as well as upcoming events and sightseeing routes.
The exhibition ‘In the Centre of Taimyr’
In addition, the exhibition ‘In the Centre of Taimyr’ was held in the run-up to the Forum. It was attended by representatives of the Krasnoyarsk Territory tourism sector, including 16 tour operators and sightseeing tour agencies, as well as souvenir and gastronomic craftsmen. Some 5,000 people viewed the exposition, which various tourism products of the Taimyr Peninsula. The exhibition programme also included sightseeing tours to prominent locations of Norilsk and the city’s enterprises, lectures, and presentations. The exhibition was organized by the Norilsk Development Agency with the support of the Norilsk City Administration, Norilsk Nickel, and the Arena–Norilsk Sports and Entertainment Complex.
Promotional Tour for National Media Members
Arctic Tourism Week also included a promotional tour for national media members, who visited key sights of Norilsk and Taimyr and production facilities in the region, took a helicopter tour of the Putorana Plateau, and attended a master class on creating their own flavour of Taimyr.
In 2021–2023, Russia will serve as the Arctic Council’s chair. The responsible governance of the Arctic’s sustainable development is a cross-cutting objective of the presidency. The comprehensive plan for Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council seeks to foster cooperation in order to enhance the well-being and quality of life of the region’s residents, including Indigenous peoples of the North, adapt the region to the effects of climate change, preserve the biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems of the region, ensure socio-economic development, find solutions to issues relating to global energy and transport security, and foster scientific cooperation.
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