The North-Western Federal District has taken the lead in national tourist routes, boasting a total of 16. This was revealed by Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Chernyshenko. Karelia and Arkhangelsk emerged as top destinations, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the Russian North.

For instance, the Grand Tour: All of Karelia route invites tourists on a 3-day journey through time and space, exploring the region's most significant sites. The programme is crafted as an overview trip with a packed itinerary of excursions. The first day immerses tourists in the culture of the Karelian-Livviks and Veps. Visitors savour traditional dishes from Karelia and the northern Leningrad Region, tour the Olonets Museum and Kindasovo village, where they learn about centuries-old Russian life amidst wooden merchant and peasant houses. From there, guests proceed to the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery, which has stood for over 500 years.

On day two, travellers pass through Petrozavodsk to the ancient Girvas Volcano, extinct for over three billion years. Today, a picturesque lake surrounded by red rocks gently laps at its base. This serves as an appetiser, with the main course being the Kivach Nature Reserve, a miniature representation of Karelia's natural beauty. Here, one finds a stunning waterfall, immortalised by Derzhavin, alongside low pines and moss-covered rocks. For those weary of constant movement, an alternative option is the Kizhi State Open Air Museum of History, Architecture and Ethnography, where one could easily spend an entire day. From Petrozavodsk, a hydrofoil boat whisks tourists across Lake Onega to these meticulously preserved historical monuments. The 300-year-old Kizhi is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The third day invites guests to visit Kinerma, a village comprised of 19th-century houses. Here, they'll learn about peasant life, sip herbal teas and indulge in homemade sweets. The journey then continues to Kirjavalahti Bay, offering breathtaking views of the famous Ladoga skerries. On sunny days, the water seems to glow; in overcast weather, thoughts turn to heroic ancestors. The Ruskeala Mountain Park serves as the grand finale of this Karelian nature tour. Guests are then invited to visit Sortavala, a town near the state border. Its history of Swedish and Finnish rule is evident in the preserved 18th-century buildings. The journey concludes in Lakhdenpokhya, where travellers can sample Karelian fish and other local delicacies.

Across Russia, regional teams have developed 56 unique programmes that have earned the status of national tourist routes. This special mark of quality results from the collaborative efforts of regional experts, including guides, tour operators and relevant authorities. Each route showcases the most striking attractions, offering a comprehensive view of the region's history, culture, nature and people. These include historical landmarks, museums, national parks, nature reserves, local cuisine restaurants and more.

Beyond the content, logistics and accommodation have been carefully planned—including transport options and suggestions for overnight stays and leisure activities. All locations on the national route have been vetted for legal compliance, with particular emphasis on sanitary standards. The safety and comfort of guests are of utmost importance. An expert panel from the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, along with regional authorities and business representatives, serves as the 'Admissions Committee' for each national route.

For each region, the national tourist route serves as both an image-boosting project and a catalyst for tourism industry growth. Certified travel addresses most typical questions potential visitors might have, promising a rich experience. This lowers the entry barrier, contributing to increased tourist flow.

According to RBC, tourist flow to Karelia increases by 12–15% annually, with other regions showing similar trends. For instance, the Murmansk Region anticipates tourist numbers to reach 600,000 by the end of 2024, about 10% higher than the previous year. According to a statement by Alexey Chekunkov, head of the Ministry for Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, over 1 million tourists visited the Arctic in 2023. The target for 2024 remains uncertain, as experts are still calculating the overall growth trends in Arctic tourism.

Image attribution: Shutterstock