Federal Agency for Tourism drafting measures to boost tourism in Russia’s Arctic zone

The introduction of visa-free travel to the Russian Federation for organized foreign tourist groups would help develop inbound tourism in the Arctic, Federal Agency for Tourism Head Oleg Safonov said, per RIA Novosti.

Safonov noted that developing Arctic tourism could contribute to an inflow of financial resources to protect the environment and unique monuments of northern architecture and also preserve the traditions and culture of indigenous people.

Reducing the cost of tours to the Arctic requires using a flexible tariff system for the entire Northern Sea Route and flexible port fee rates for passenger ships, he said. This measure would enable new domestic tourism market entities to offer their services, which would promote competition and improve the quality of service.

Safonov stressed that tourist traffic should be increased as part of organized groups in order to minimize the possible negative impact on the fragile Arctic environment.