Dmitry Chernyshenko: The synergy of tourism and sport influences the creation of new points of attraction, regional development and the health of citizens

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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.