A new wave of the tourist season begins in the Murmansk Region in autumn—Northern Lights hunters head to the Kola Peninsula. From November to March, the sky over the Russian North comes alive with flashes of blue, purple and green, whilst local glamping sites see an influx of northern exotic enthusiasts during this period. According to RBC, at the start of this winter season, the largest companies in the Murmansk Region with their own glamping sites are once again gearing up for high demand. The peak influx of guests is expected during the New Year holidays, but people are keen to experience the Arctic in winter throughout the remaining months—according to the management of the Lapland Village complex, the current booking rate is around 50%. The traditional rush for New Year tours will begin in November, so it's advisable to plan your trip well in advance.

Arctic glamping in 2024 did not experience the drop in demand noted by experts surveyed by Rossiyskaya Gazeta. In their view, the domestic market for comfortable and secluded nature retreats has reached its peak, both in terms of service costs and existing audience. However, it seems the general trends don't apply to the Arctic.

Thus, in the Murmansk Region, despite even higher than average national prices for glamping, tourist numbers are not expected to decrease. Indeed, Arctic travel has shown strong growth over the past few years: for instance, last year 670 thousand people visited the Kola Peninsula, and since 2019, the number of visitors has totalled 2.5 million. The record figures are partly due to the 'discovery' of the Arctic for tourists—five years ago, the idea of holidaying in the Polar Region only appealed to the most adventurous (and wealthy) individuals. Today, visitors to the Kola Peninsula include both seasoned travellers and those accustomed to comfort, as well as tourists from abroad, primarily from Asian countries.

The development of the polar tourism industry in general, and Arctic glamping in the Murmansk Region in particular, is linked to active support from regional and federal authorities. For example, last year, within the framework of the national project 'Tourism and Hospitality Industry,' the Murmansk Region supported 9 projects for the construction of campgrounds and glamping sites with RUB 42 mn. Entrepreneurs are also actively utilising the Hectare in the Arctic programme, which allows them to obtain a free plot of land to start their own business. For instance, the North is Calling! glamping site and the Hyperborea SUP station appeared on the Kola Peninsula. The project management extensively uses modular construction technology, offering guests the equivalent of a solid 3-star hotel in the midst of the wilderness. Birdwatchers, snowmobile enthusiasts and Northern Lights seekers all come here to enjoy the Arctic experience.

Perhaps the key advantage of glamping—a high level of service in a relatively untamed setting—works best in the Arctic. While in the south of the country, you can find yourself by the seashore surrounded by the aromas of sun-warmed cypresses, junipers and cedars, choosing whether to stay in your own tent without the need to bring a car full of warm clothes or in a large hotel with plenty of entertainment options, the choice in the Arctic is not so varied. Either the guest embarks on an almost authentic expedition with all the thrills and challenges of travel or stays in a glamping site.

For example, at Kitovy Bereg, there's a 27 m² geodesic dome with a view of the Barents Sea, comfortable beds, a warm room, restaurant meals, a sauna and the option to rent equipment for sea excursions or tundra walks. Additionally, you can ask the chef to prepare your fresh catch from the outing. By the way, you'll need to use a transfer to get there—the establishment has no address, only coordinates. You can reach it either by a specially equipped off-road vehicle or by helicopter, as the roads quickly give way to the tundra that needs to be traversed. Guests are specifically warned not to attempt driving to the glamping site on their own, unless they have their own appropriate vehicle at their disposal. After such a journey, having a hotel room with service at your disposal is an offer that's hard to refuse.

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