The authorities of Karelia predict that by 2030, the tourist flow to the republic will grow 2.5 times. This is reported by Interfax.

'Last year, 1.2 million people visited the republic. We expect that by 2030 the figure will grow to 3 million per year. Therefore, a very important issue now is the construction of new accommodation facilities,' Artur Parfenchikov, head of the republic, told journalists.

He emphasised that the number of rooms is increasing in the republic, new hotels are being built and glamping sites are being opened.

'Last year alone, we increased the figure by 17% to 20,000. New hotels are being built and we are in the process of legalising the facilities. But the problem of hotel shortage still remains. We are interested in attracting investors to build new tourist facilities,' he added.

At the same time, the authorities are ready to support businesses. Over the past four years, entrepreneurs in the tourism sector have received RUB 1.052 bn in subsidies.

'In Karelia, a mechanism has been created to support investors in tourism. We are ready to provide and land plot for investors without bidding, ready to conduct the necessary communications for the project realisation. We lend with our regional organisations at 5–8% per annum. These support measures show that in 2023 alone, the number of accommodation facilities increased by 17%, and taxes from the tourism industry doubled,' Parfenchikov added.

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