Altai’s Appeal to International Visitors Gains Momentum
Altai stands poised to become a magnet for foreign travelers, a prospect highlighted by Elena Afanasyeva, a member of Russia’s Federation Council. Speaking in the context of regional plans to replace English road signs with Altai inscriptions, Afanasyeva underscored a broader vision: to welcome international guests while preserving the region’s linguistic heritage. The comment appeared in Komsomolskaya Pravda.
Afanasyeva argued that travelers who speak English should be able to navigate the region comfortably. She pointed to the rapid expansion of domestic tourism as a driver that is already drawing more visitors from abroad, noting that international curiosity about Russia is growing as the country develops its tourism sector.
“More foreign visitors are expected as time goes on. Russia remains relatively little known to the outside world; yet it is beginning to reveal its many treasures—fields like the Russian North, Lake Baikal, the Altai Mountains, and a host of other remarkable destinations,” the senator observed.
She added that many regions across Russia are working to create an open and transparent environment for international travelers. This includes clear access to information about routes and attractions both along the road and at key stops, ensuring visitors can plan their journeys with ease.
Afanasyeva also spoke about the Altai Republic’s decision to increase the visibility of local inscriptions in Altai on road signs. While she supports preserving the local language as a cultural asset, she stressed that the tourism potential of the region should be a central priority, given Altai’s renowned natural beauty and its status as one of the country’s most captivating landscapes.
According to the senator, Altai’s appeal goes beyond attracting local travelers; the goal is to grow the share of foreign visitors as well.
“To achieve this, it makes sense to provide inscriptions in English. For travelers from abroad, a combination of Russian, Altai, and English on signs helps orient visitors and supports a well-organized tourist environment. If the aim is real development of tourism and making the region welcoming to people from diverse countries, this multilingual approach is prudent,” Afanasyeva concluded. (Source: Komsomolskaya Pravda)