The Government views the development of eco-tourism in Russia as one of the most promising spheres, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said in his video message to the participants in the International Conference “Sustainable tourism: Global challenges and Russian perspective.”
According to the Prime Minister, this sector combines outdoor activities, efforts to preserve natural sites and reserves, and present the cultural and historical heritage of various countries. The Government will be proactive in supporting this sector.
The goals set out in the Environment national project and a number of long-term programmes include promoting eco-tourism in Russia. The country has all it takes to succeed in this endeavour: specially protected territories, reserves and national parks account for 13 percent of the national territory. “It is only in our country that you will find such riches,” Mr Mishustin pointed out.
“We take pride in our beautiful locations with their marvellous pristine nature and UNESCO natural heritage sites. These are wonderful places that tourists have long been eager to discover: the Kamchatka volcanoes and the forests in Karelia, the Altai and Caucasus mountains, and the rivers in the Urals and Siberia, Far East and the Black Sea coast,” he enthused.
The Prime Minister went on to say that the main goal was to attract tourists and offer them a captivating, safe, comfortable and affordable experience.
Mr Mishustin called for safeguarding Russia’s natural riches and to promote environmental awareness.
He argued that developing eco-tourism required collective long-term efforts, including raising investment for the sector, creating a modern infrastructure, developing a wide range of new services and training personnel. This also includes setting clear rules and standards for the sector to enable all stakeholders to be effective and grow their businesses.
“I am certain that in the coming days you will exchange best practices, present and hear many interesting ideas, and find backers for your business projects,” Mr Mishustin said in conclusion.
He said he hoped that the conference lays the groundwork for new successful undertakings.
