Over 30% of tourist traffic in the Polar Region is attributed to the Russian Arctic. The Murmansk Region, Republic of Karelia, Arkhangelsk Region and adjoining Vologda Region serve as gateways to the North for all types of tourist activities—offering everything from extreme Arctic Ocean voyages to tranquil camping by northern lakes, from family gastronomic festivals to thrilling ski slopes.   

This region is referred to as the Russian Arctic due to geographical reasons—the mentioned territories are situated in the North of the East European Plain extending to the Ural Mountains. Since the inception of Russia, Finno-Ugric and Slavic tribes have cohabited here, laying the foundation stones of the future state with the help of Scandinavians (Rurik was initially invited to rule either in Novgorod or Ladoga). This is a developed industrial region, home to major cities such as Murmansk, Arkhangelsk and Petrozavodsk. Compared to other Arctic regions, the Russian Arctic more closely resembles the 'mainland'—it lacks winter roads and vast uninhabited spaces but boasts numerous asphalt highways, bridges and industries. It is replete with historical and cultural landmarks like the Solovetsky Monastery, Kizhi Museum Reserve and the Teriberka village, all nestled amidst national parks and nature reserves. For tourists, a journey to the Russian Arctic is far more accessible and straightforward than trips to Yamal or Taimyr. This is not only due to ticket prices but also the availability of flights, hotels, restaurants and other essential tourist facilities.

Today, the place name has evolved into a synonymous plan. The tourism development strategy for the Russian Arctic macro-region aims to fully exploit the potential of each constituent area. Formulating these plans is crucial for the Far North as they will not only optimize existing resources but also strike a balance between financial performance, environmental conservation and preservation of local cultural identity. 'The objective of the macro-region's tourism scheme is to analyse each region's full potential and propose development strategies for tourism and related infrastructure that will fully unlock the tourism potential of the Russian North and Arctic for various traveller groups,' noted Ksenia Titova, head of the ProGorod project office (VEB Group), at the inaugural session.

For instance, in the Arkhangelsk Region, it's not feasible to simply construct a dozen or so tourist bases along the White Sea coast. This is unlikely to result in the anticipated improvement in local living standards, but could potentially cause significant harm to Pomorie. Experts recommend focusing on cultural, educational and health tourism, as well as engaging local experts of the vast forests and numerous rivers in organising cruises, fishing and hunting trips. The traditional occupations of local residents can be seamlessly integrated into modern production, helping to preserve the unique local culture while attracting visitors. Another key aspect is the development of transport infrastructure. While the Russian Arctic does have a fairly developed road system, a much more extensive network is needed to fully harness the potential of the North. In winter, many villages in the Arkhangelsk Region can only be accessed by a specially equipped off-road vehicle or by water. Gas stations, asphalt roads and power lines will all form the foundation for tourism development in the North. Upon finalising the macro-region development scheme, decisions will be made regarding the direction of infrastructure construction.

Experience shows that such measures can reveal new destinations for tourists as interest in the Polar Regions continues to grow annually. According to sociological surveys, the Russian Arctic ranks among the top 5 dream destinations for Russians, alongside the Far East and Lake Baikal.