New Resort Fees in St. Petersburg: How the Funds Are Used
Funds collected as resort or facility fees in St. Petersburg are designated for the city’s upkeep, maintenance, and improvement work. This stance was outlined by Yuri Barzykin, deputy chairman of the Russian Tourism Industry Association, who explained how the system is intended to support local infrastructure and services.
Officials have announced a maximum facility fee of 100 rubles per person per day. This rate mirrors a level previously seen only in the Caucasian Mineral Waters region of the Stavropol Territory. The same fee schedule will apply to guests staying in Krasnodar, Stavropol, Altai, and Crimea, ensuring a consistent approach across several resort areas.
Barzykin noted that the anticipated revenue will be used to fund ongoing improvements and basic upkeep, but warned that the funds should not be expected to finance large-scale investments. In his view, the fees are primarily targeted at road repairs, public amenities, and essential maintenance that keeps resort towns functional and pleasant for visitors. The revenue stream, he said, is best described as support for maintenance, repairs, and improvement projects rather than a broad investment pipeline.
Additional expenses linked to the collection and administration of the facility fee were highlighted by the expert. The administrative costs will be covered by the same funds, contributing to a smoother process for handling payments and ensuring transparency in how money is allocated.
Sergei Korneev, who chairs the city committee responsible for tourism development, confirmed that from April 1 the resort tax would begin affecting adult travelers staying in hotels, aparthotels, sanatoriums, and other accommodations within St. Petersburg. The daily rate remains set at 100 rubles per person, with the policy designed to fund the upkeep of local tourism infrastructure and services that benefit visitors and residents alike.
In related remarks, officials clarified that there will be exemptions for certain groups, including large families, who will not be required to pay the holiday tax. These exemptions are intended to provide fair access while still channeling revenue toward essential improvements across the city’s hospitality sector.
Observers point out that the new fees are part of a broader move to secure consistent funding for the maintenance and enhancement of resort towns in Russia. By pooling resources for roads, public spaces, and visitor amenities, city leaders aim to elevate the overall experience for travelers while ensuring that ongoing operations remain sustainable. The policy reflects a shift toward transparent, dedicated funding streams for tourism-related infrastructure, with administrators emphasizing accountability and clear use of funds for maintenance and improvements rather than open-ended spending.
As the program rolls out, stakeholders expect a balanced impact: some travelers may adjust their plans to accommodate the extra daily cost, while locals anticipate improved public services and facilities that make St. Petersburg and nearby resort areas more attractive to visitors year after year. The overall objective remains to maintain a high standard of visitor experience while preserving the city’s cultural and historical appeal for residents and guests alike.
Marked citations and ongoing official updates indicate that the resort fee framework is designed to be straightforward, predictable, and tied directly to the visitor economy. City officials and industry representatives stress the importance of monitoring the program to ensure that funds are allocated efficiently, with regular reviews to assess whether maintenance and improvement needs are being met and whether exemptions remain appropriate for families and other covered groups.