"The Vologda region must enter the top five regions of Russia for year-round tourism" — Georgy Filimonov

The Vologda region has already ranked among the top three leading regions of Russia by the number of tourists during the winter holidays, second only to Moscow and Saint Petersburg, and is now setting more ambitious goals. This was stated by the Governor of the Vologda Region, Georgy Filimonov, during the series of meetings "Region-2030. Vologda Region". The event was held on 4 February as part of the Vologda Region Days at the National Centre RUSSIA.

"The Vologda region is among the top three leading regions of Russia in terms of the number of tourists during the winter holidays and the New Year period. Our objective is to enter the top five regions of Russia for year-round tourism. We already have strong indicators and ambitious plans," Georgy Filimonov emphasised.

Special attention is being given to the development of gastronomic tourism. One of the key decisions in this area has been the introduction of the "Vologda Menu".

"Every catering establishment in the Vologda region now offers dishes of Vologda cuisine — not only for tourists, but also for local residents. As custodians of traditions and patriots of great Russia, we cultivate Russian culinary culture by inviting guests to discover the gastronomic specialities of our region," the Governor noted.

Georgy Filimonov recalled that around 3,500 cultural heritage sites are located across the Vologda region. Among them are the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, the largest fortress monastery complex in Europe by area, and the Ferapontov Monastery with 15th-century frescoes by Dionisy, which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Governor stressed that the region sees its task not only in increasing tourist appeal, but also in building investment and economic attractiveness. For this purpose, on the instruction of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, a tourist and recreational special economic zone is being created in Veliky Ustyug. In addition, an investment and industrial special economic zone has begun operating in the settlement of Leskovo. Sixteen residents have already been established there, with projected investments of around 8.5 billion roubles.