During a live broadcast, Dmitry Artyukhov, Governor of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, announced the presentation of a master plan for the Salekhard-Labytnangi agglomeration, which aims to become a hub for recreation and tourism with advanced logistical capabilities. He stated that implementing large-scale projects such as the tourist cluster in the Polar Urals and the Snezhinka International Arctic Station will require a significant number of highly skilled professionals. This is reported by RBC.

According to the data, approximately 240,000 tourists visited the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area in 2023. Visitors to the region typically stay for two to three days on average. The summer season of 2024 also showed impressive results, with nearly 75,000 people, including foreign nationals, visiting the YNAA. Overall, the gradual growth of the industry is attributed to improved infrastructure and active promotion of the region in the tourism market.

The projected increase in tourist numbers by more than fourfold by 2030 will result from a development strategy centred on creating the largest tourist cluster in the Polar Urals. The unique Ray-Iz Complex will be the centrepiece of this cluster, marking Russia's first project of this scale to be implemented on a concession basis, involving the creation of all infrastructure from scratch. The design phase is nearing completion, with construction set to begin in May 2025. The modernisation of Salekhard airport will also play a crucial role in providing convenient access for tourists from across the country and abroad.

The successful operation of the Ray-Iz mountain resort will require a significant workforce, including 200 employees for the ski complex, 282 for the HoReCa and spa sectors, and 93 guide instructors to work in the Ingilor Park area. This will create new job opportunities and provide an interesting employment experience for the region's indigenous population.

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