Lora Nakoryakova about tourism in protected areas

The expert believes that growth of tourist traffic in federal protected areas is primarily due to the overall growth of tourist traffic in Russia. Among the key reasons Nakoryakova highlights growth of domestic tourism and attraction of tourists from friendly countries, including through visa facilitation (with China, Turkey, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia).

«Several factors directly affect growth of tourist traffic in protected areas. Firstly, the increasing interest of the population in cultural and informative and «nature» tourism. On the whole, ecological and nature tourism is a modern trend. It is associated with the people’s intention to spend time outdoors, away from the urban hustle and bustle. Secondly, improvement of tourist infrastructure i.e. construction of eco-trails, holiday camps, visitor centers, equipped parking lots and routes. Development of transportation infrastructure, including new flights, roads and railroad routes. This facilitates access to previously inaccessible protected areas. For example, access to the Vodlozersky National Park has become easier thanks to the modernization of highways and domestic air service," Nakoryakova said.

She also noted that digital infrastructure has improved: digital services such as electronic passes, navigation applications and information signs have been introduced. For example, the Zyuratkul National Park in the Chelyabinsk region is actively developing hiking trails and equipped recreation areas.

Subsidies and grants for infrastructure development also contributed to the increase in the flow of tourists. For example, the Kenozersky National Park in Arkhangelsk region has obtained grants for development of cultural and ecological tourism, the expert noted.

«Furthermore, Russia’s natural beauties are actively promoted through social networks, where travelers share impressive photos and routes. The content from Lake Baikal, the Altai Mountains or Kamchatka often becomes viral, attracting new tourists. Meanwhile, certainly, every tourist leaves an imprint. Therefore, environmental risks are increasing along with the growing tourist traffic. Unregulated tourism can cause destruction of ecosystems, pollution of the territory and diminish its attractiveness for future generations. In this context, the relevance of tourism regulation in protected areas is increasing, but not through restrictions, but rather through finding a balance between tourism development and preservation of natural resources," Nakoryakova said.

The expert advises to turn to international experience. For example, introduce restrictions on the maximum number of tourists per day. It is also necessary to develop environmental education programs to teach tourists the rules of behavior in natural areas. And, of course, it is necessary to use drones, video surveillance cameras and inspectors to monitor compliance with the rules, she believes.

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