Tourism is a growing branch of the economy in Russia. According to the World Tourism Organization, Russia occupies one of the leading places in the world in the field of international tourism. In 2014, about 28 million international tourists visited the country (the 9th place in the world).
The rich cultural heritage and natural diversity puts Russia on a prominent place in the world among countries with potential of tourism growth. There are more than two dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country. Different regions and ethnic groups have a wide variety of traditions.
The main tourist routes in Russia include visits to Moscow and St. Petersburg, resort establishments in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions, the Kaliningrad region, the ski resorts of the Caucasus and Siberia, the Golden Ring of Russia, cruises along the Volga, cruises on an icebreaker to the national park “Russian Arctic”, trips on the Trans-Siberian Railway (the Altai Mountains, Lake Baikal), traveling to the volcanoes of Kamchatka and Primorye.
The main tourist routes in Russia include visits to Moscow and St. Petersburg, resort establishments in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions, the Kaliningrad region, the ski resorts of the Caucasus and Siberia, the Golden Ring of Russia, cruises along the Volga, cruises on an icebreaker to the national park “Russian Arctic”, trips on the Trans-Siberian Railway (the Altai Mountains, Lake Baikal), traveling to the volcanoes of Kamchatka and Primorye.
A significant part of the territory of Russia is occupied by mountain systems, including the northern part of the highest mountain system in Europe - the Caucasus, where you can find beautiful waterfalls, canyons, unique species of animals. In Kamchatka there are world-famous volcanoes and the famous Valley of Geysers. This region is also known as the land of bears, which are one of the symbols of Russia.
Other well-known natural attractions are the Stolby Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk, the Weathering Pillars of Manpupuner in Komi, the Lena Pillars, the Amur Pillars, the Kungur Cave in the Northern Urals, the Curonian Spit near Kaliningrad, the Daursky Reserve, the Putorana Plateau, the Golden Mountains of Altai, the Sikhote-Alin Reserve, and a number of others. The Amur, Lena, Yenisei, Ob, and Volga rivers are also known as Russian places of interest.
Other well-known natural attractions are the Stolby Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk, the Weathering Pillars of Manpupuner in Komi, the Lena Pillars, the Amur Pillars, the Kungur Cave in the Northern Urals, the Curonian Spit near Kaliningrad, the Daursky Reserve, the Putorana Plateau, the Golden Mountains of Altai, the Sikhote-Alin Reserve, and a number of others. The Amur, Lena, Yenisei, Ob, and Volga rivers are also known as Russian places of interest.
Such natural phenomenon as “White Nights”, one of the symbols of St. Petersburg, should also be mentioned. Murmansk and Arkhangelsk oblasts are known for their colorful northern lights.
