Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to secure extra funding in 2024 to build and expand tourism infrastructure in national parks across the Far Eastern Federal District. The directive was announced by the Kremlin press service and reflects ongoing priorities to boost regional travel and conservation-related amenities in the Far East.
On Tuesday, November 14, a formal list of decisions issued after the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), held from September 10 to 13, 2023, was published on the president’s official website. The document provides operational guidance that aligns funding with the outcomes of the forum and the broader strategic goals discussed there.
One key instruction states: “To ensure the allocation of additional budgetary resources from the federal budget in 2024 for the creation and development of tourism infrastructure in national parks located in the Far Eastern Federal District.” This aim signals a deliberate push to expand access to protected landscapes while enhancing visitor facilities, transport links, and educational services for travelers and residents alike.
At the same time, the government is tasked with safeguarding that funds set aside for the protection and development of other natural objects are not redirected for unrelated uses. The focus remains on specially protected areas of federal importance, ensuring that conservation objectives are preserved alongside tourism development and regional economic growth.
The document also requires the Council of Ministers to prepare and present a report to the President detailing progress and results of the planned work by December 31, 2024. This reporting obligation underscores the administration’s emphasis on accountability and measurable outcomes in its regional development initiatives.
Earlier, the Russian leadership signaled another tourism-oriented initiative, directing the development of a program to advance tourism in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. This step reflects a broader strategy to diversify regional economies through enhanced travel experiences, nature-based attractions, and related infrastructure improvements that can attract visitors from both domestic and international markets.
Overall, the series of actions places tourism infrastructure and the protection of natural areas at the forefront of federal investment in the Far East. Officials suggest that improved parks, trails, visitor centers, and accessibility improvements will not only boost economic activity in border and remote regions but also promote ecological stewardship and cross-border tourism opportunities with neighboring markets in Canada and the United States. The emphasis on responsible growth aims to balance conservation with user-friendly amenities, enabling a broader segment of travelers to explore the region while keeping protected areas resilient for future generations. (Kremlin press service)