By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: The number of tourist arrivals into North Caucasus Federal district in Russia has been steadily increasing year on year. This is in direct correlation to the strategic, economic, geographical and transit potential that it is endowed with. Coupled with its rich tourist resources, it is the determining factor for the ongoing development of tourism in the region and is a priority for the district.
Speaking on the participation at Arabian Travel Market 2019, Aristov Stainslav – Russia, Moscow, Charitable Foundation for Social and Charity Projects, Visit Caucasus – Director General, said, “We are aware of the huge potential that the North Caucasus Federal district has. At the moment, active work is being done on the organization of travel, including all forms of nature tourism, in which the main motivation of tourists is observation and introduction to nature while striving to preserve it. We take this opportunity to showcase the multi-faceted aspects of tourism in the district and are keen to see more tourist arrivals from the Middle East.”
North Caucasus Federal district has nine ski resorts, 68 ski lifts and 108 skiing tracks, the total length of which is about 185 kilometers. A characteristic feature of the ski resorts of the Russian Federation, and in particular the North Caucasus Federal district, is their location in close proximity to specially protected natural areas.
The district boasts of 15 specially protected natural areas of federal significance: six state nature reserves, three national parks, six state wildlife sanctuary, their total area is 710.22 thousand hectares. In keeping with its sustainability and environment protection policies, they are guided by obligations and restrictions on economic activities in and around the ski resorts, including activities such as the development of active sports and ecological tourism in the national parks and other specially protected natural areas. The wide variety of flora and fauna also contribute to the development of ecological tourism.
Given the wealth of Caucasian mineral waters, the territory has developed a sanatorium-resort complex with 168 sanatoriums with a total capacity of over 40,000 guests. Additionally, it is equipped with 118 spa resorts that have modern medical and diagnostic equipment, 26 tourist and hotel complexes, which are able to accommodate more than 40,000 guests at the same time. This gives way for complete medical measures aimed at the detection, treatment of diseases and rehabilitation in conditions close to the resort and in close proximity to the sources of balneological resources where therapeutic use of baths comes into force. A solid combination of medical and recreational tourism alongside tourism that is focused on children, it allows for comprehensive tourism for the whole family.
The North Caucasus Federal district is also abundantly endowed with over 15,000 objects of cultural heritage of which over 3,000 objects that are of federal importance. The “Citadel, the old city and fortress buildings of Derbent” has been bestowed a UNESCO world heritage site status. Yet another significant sector is the ancient “Great silk road” trade route which is a world heritage passes through North Caucasus. Tourist routes along the sections of the Great silk road are actively developed and promoted by the world tourism organization (UNWTO – United Nations World Tourism Organization) around the world.
The development of cultural and educational tourism with elements of ethnic, event and gastronomic tourism in the North Caucasus Federal district in conjunction with the implementation of measures to preserve the places of traditional existence of folk arts and crafts is an important element of the development of the tourism sector in the North Caucasus.
In the coming years efforts will be directed primarily at maximizing the social and economic impact of tourism in the North Caucasus, while minimizing its negative impact on the host communities and the environment. The Federal district strongly believes that all sections of society including travelers should contribute to the achievement of this common goal for all.
