Dmitry Chernyshenko: The synergy of tourism and sport influences the creation of new points of attraction, regional development and the health of citizens
As part of
the Day of Sport and Tourism at the International RUSSIA EXPO, Dmitry
Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, held a plenary session entitled
"Sport and Tourism. Development Synergy". The event was also attended
by Minister of Economic Development of Russia Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of
Sport of Russia Oleg Matytsin, Governor of the Primorye region, Chairman of the
State Council Commission in the direction of Tourism, Physical Education and
Sport Oleg Kozhemyako, a member of the Expert Council under the Government of
Russia, Chairman of the Council of the Sirius Federal Territory Elena Shmeleva,
representatives of business organizations.
At the
opening of the Day of Sport and Tourism, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry
Chernyshenko emphasized: "For about 2.5 months the RUSSIA EXPO, organized
on the initiative of President Vladimir Putin, has been welcoming guests from
all corners of our country and other countries. More than 5 million people have
appreciated the achievements and opportunities of the country - its regions and
economy".
At the
plenary session, Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke about the strategic connection
between the spheres of sport and tourism.
"The
synergy of tourism and sport influences the creation of new points of
attraction, the development of regions and the health of citizens. Sports
facilities become points of attraction for major events and drivers of mass
tourism development, and tourist infrastructure facilities become venues for
sports camps. Tourism shapes the demand for products and services of many other
industries - transport, housing and utilities, catering, culture, construction.
There is a certain magic of numbers, if you look at the data of the Ministry of
Economic Development and the Ministry of Sport: by the end of 2023, we have
exceeded the figures for domestic tourist traffic of the pre-2019 level -
that's over 75 million people. This almost coincides with the number of people
practicing sports in our country - 77 million people. It is important to
continue to achieve all the goals set by the President of Russia and ensure the
independence and technological sovereignty of our country," said Dmitry
Chernyshenko.
"When
developing measures to support the industry, the Ministry of Economic
Development focuses, among other things, on the growing interest of tourists in
sports and healthy lifestyle. With the help of the mechanism of special
economic zones the largest ski resorts of the country are developing, and the
program of preferential lending within the framework of the national project on
tourism can now be used to develop the infrastructure of ski complexes,"
said Maxim Reshetnikov.
Russians
are traveling around the country more and more often. For 11 months of 2023 the
increase in tourist trips was +20% or 12 million people. The geography of trips
is also expanding. The North Caucasus showed an increase in tourist trips twice
as high as the Russian average.
"Holding
sporting events enhances the tourist image of the regions and becomes an
impetus for future investments, helps to develop the local economy and business
involvement. Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Sochi, Yekaterinburg,
Vladivostok, Krasnoyarsk, Yakutsk - these and many other cities have been
significantly transformed ahead of major sports tournaments. Russia has always
been and remains a pioneer in creating new competition formats. We will
continue to further develop the national sports system, create conditions for
mass and high-performance sports and are confident that sport is and will be a
norm of life for every Russian citizen," said Oleg Matytsin.
In 2024,
Russia will organize the Games of the Future and BRICS Games which will be held
in Kazan, Children of Asia in Yakutsk, Children of Primorye in Vladivostok,
Friendship Games in Moscow and Yekaterinburg, All-Russian Winter Spartakiade of
the Strongest. The Russian-Chinese Youth Games are planned to be held in
Sakhalin and the Far East in 2026.
Dmitry
Chernyshenko spoke about the unique International Multisport Tournament Games
of the Future, the organization of which allows to actively develop sports and
tourism.
"Games
of the Future is the major phygital tournament, the concept of which implements
the principle of harmonious development, combining eSports and classic sports.
Games of the Future is one of the results of the Decade of Science and
Technology announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kazan is ready to
welcome guests, media representatives, athletes and fans from around the world
with the hospitality typical of Russia. The business program of the Games will
open up new opportunities for international cooperation not only in sports, but
also in the fields of science, innovation, game industry and creative economy.
The guests of the Games of the Future will see the image of Russia, which
combines cultural identity and innovativeness," the Deputy Prime Minister
emphasized.
The integration of special military operation veterans into peaceful life and the interaction between regions and municipalities were discussed as part of the Forum "SMALL HOMELAND – THE STRENGTH OF RUSSIA".
The second All-Russian Municipal Forum "Small Homeland – the Strength of Russia" is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA.
