A high-level briefing from Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko outlined an ambitious plan for Russia to develop large, year-round resort complexes along five major sea coasts. The disclosure came during a meeting of the government commission focused on tourism development, and it was reported by the newspaper Vedomosti as part of the broader policy discussion surrounding the country’s tourism strategy.
According to Chernyshenko, the envisaged resorts would be situated on the shores of the Azov, Black, Japanese, Baltic, and Caspian seas. He recalled on behalf of the President that the objective by 2030 is to establish year-round destinations capable of hosting at least 10 million tourists annually. To support this goal, the plan foresees the creation of a minimum of 44,000 hotel rooms across the new resort sites.
Chernyshenko emphasized that the introduction of these major coastal resorts would play a central role in advancing the national Tourism and Hospitality Industry project. A leading metric of this initiative is the expected rise in domestic travel within Russia, with projections showing the number of domestic tourist trips increasing to 140 million by 2030. The proposal aligns with broader aims to diversify regional economies, spread tourism activity beyond existing hotspots, and stimulate investment in infrastructure, services, and hospitality ecosystems that can operate year-round rather than seasonal peaks alone.
The vision for year-round resort development has been endorsed at the highest government level, reflecting a strategic shift toward sustained tourism activity across multiple regions. The plan envisions modern, integrated resort areas that combine lodging, entertainment, cultural offerings, and nature-based experiences designed to attract visitors throughout the year. This approach seeks to create stable employment opportunities, support local businesses, and provide residents with enhanced access to high-quality hospitality and recreational amenities, all while maintaining a focus on sustainable development and regional inclusion.
As the government outlines the pathway to 2030, stakeholders in the tourism sector are watching how these new destinations will be phased in, how financing will be mobilized, and how regulatory frameworks will be aligned to encourage private investment while protecting environmental and social values. The initiative signals a long-term commitment to expanding Russia’s tourism footprint, improving visitor infrastructure, and offering compelling domestic and international travel options that can compete in a diversified global market while meeting the needs of travelers in Canada, the United States, and other international markets who may be seeking varied coastal experiences.
While discussions continue about the detailed layouts, branding, and operational models for each resort cluster, the core premise remains clear: a strategic push to transform coastal regions into year-round leisure destinations that deliver consistent visitor flows, generate year-round employment, and contribute to the broader economic resilience of Russia’s tourism sector. The planned scale and geographic spread underscore the aspiration to redefine Russia’s tourism map and to position the country as a reliable destination for travelers seeking expansive seaside experiences with a mix of cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities across different seasons.
Observations on related travel trends note that the evolving landscape of international tourism, including shifts in vacation planning among travelers from North America, may influence how these new resorts are perceived internationally. As Russia advances toward the 2030 milestone, the emphasis on year-round accessibility, quality accommodations, and diverse attractions will be pivotal in shaping both domestic and inbound tourism interest, with potential ripples across related sectors such as transportation, hospitality training, and regional development programs. The overarching aim remains to create a robust, multi-sea resort network that can sustain inbound and domestic tourism growth well beyond peak summer months.