Number of domestic tourist trips up 11% in Russia in Q1-3 2024 - deputy PM

MOSCOW. Oct 31 (Interfax) - Some 65.5 million domestic tourist trips were taken in Russia in January-September 2024, which is 11% more than the year before, and Siberia, southern Russia and the North Caucasus were the leading destinations, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said on Thursday.

"Over the past nine months, Rosstat recorded 65.5 million tourist trips inside Russia, which is 11% more than in the respective period of 2023," Chernyshenko's press service quoted him as saying.

The number of tourist trips grew most in Siberia, southern Russia and the North Caucasus in 2024, Chernyshenko said.

Southern Russia held the second position in the rating of federal districts. The number of tourist trips to that destination grew 14.8% to 12.3 million. The last member of the top three is the North Caucasus with 2.3 million tourist trips, up 14.8% year-on-year, Chernyshenko said.

In turn, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov called Siberia and the Far East the most promising regions for investment.

"We are observing a swift growth and establishment of new tourist centers this year. Above all, these are Siberia and the Far East. Both Russian and foreign travelers are actively exploring them. I believe these are the most promising geographic destinations for investors," Reshetnikov said.