The SME Company, on behalf of the President and with the support of the Ministry of Economic Development and the regional administrations, has launched a targeted program to assist entrepreneurs who aim to start businesses along tourist routes. This initiative was announced by the company’s press service and underscores a strategic push to grow regional economies through tourism-enabled enterprise creation.
Entrepreneurs running small and medium-sized enterprises can assess the infrastructure needs required to support tourism projects and submit proposals through the digital platform SME.RF. The platform hosts a range of investment opportunities and project ideas, enabling founders to explore viable concepts and access funding pathways. It serves as a central hub where potential operators can gauge the scope of required facilities, including accommodations, amenities, and services that integrate with travel itineraries. [Citation: SME Corporation press release]
The assessment process identifies the necessary infrastructure facilities along the routes, from multifunctional public spaces to hotels, glamping sites, retail outlets, and food service locations. These needs are mapped regionally to align development with the specific characteristics and demand of each area, ensuring that new infrastructure complements existing attractions and supports sustainable visitor flows. [Citation: SME Corporation press release]
During remarks at a major industry forum, the Minister of Economic Development emphasized that tourism growth hinges on high-quality, well-positioned infrastructure. Projects must be located in places that attract visitors and facilitate convenient access. The message highlights a long-term plan: smart site selection paired with timely, well-coordinated construction and permits. [Citation: Ministry statements]
Officials explained that the SME Company and regional partners will assist entrepreneurs through every step of project realization. This includes evaluating project parameters, outlining support measures, and coordinating activities such as engineering infrastructure setup, securing construction permits, registering sites, and mobilizing financial resources from banks or public funds. The approach is designed to streamline the path from concept to tangible facilities that serve travelers and local communities. [Citation: SME Corporation press release]
On the digital platform, entrepreneurs can also browse SMEs.RF to find available real estate suitable for building tourism infrastructure and to review applicable support measures. The platform currently lists more than 110 federal and regional programs designed to aid tourism SMEs, along with more than 420 privately owned properties that could become pivotal anchors for new tourist routes. [Citation: SME Corporation press release]
Alexander Isaevich, the General Director of SME Corporation, noted that information about regional infrastructure needs and land plots will be updated continuously. This ensures that prospective investors have access to current data to guide planning and decision-making. The organization intends to help entrepreneurs craft compelling applications and to facilitate the process of attracting bank financing for construction and development. [Citation: SME Corporation press release]
It was stated that there are plans to integrate the digital platform with the ministry’s information systems to publish details on automobile tourist routes. This integration would broaden the information available to investors, enabling them to factor in additional route-specific considerations when planning investments and assessing market potential. [Citation: SME Corporation press release]
It is worth recalling that, following a meeting with government officials and by directive of the President, the SME Corporation is responsible for coordinating broad-based support for investment projects undertaken by small and medium-sized enterprises across the federation. This includes projects in automotive tourism and hotel services, and progress is overseen by the deputy prime minister who is charged with guiding the national project Tourism and Hotel Industry. [Citation: Government briefings]