The Russian Ministry of Economic Development, in conjunction with MTS Travel, has released findings from a joint study indicating a 10% increase in tourism to Lake Baikal during the summer months. The region's natural beauty and diverse attractions continue to draw visitors.
Olkhon Island experienced the most significant growth in popularity. A remarkable one in ten trips to the lake included a visit to this island. Other popular destinations include the Shamanka Rock, Cape Burkhan, Cape Hoboy, and the Khorin-Irgi Peninsula.
Nearly 60% of visitors to Baikal were residents of the Irkutsk Oblast and Buryatia Republic. Tourists from the Zabaykalsky Krai accounted for 22% of visitors, followed by Moscow and Moscow Oblast at 12%, and Novosibirsk Oblast at 8%.
Other regions with substantial visitor numbers included Krasnoyarsk Krai, Yakutia, Saint Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, and Amur Oblast.
It's worth noting that 54% of trips to the lake originated from the Irkutsk Oblast, attributed to its well-developed tourism infrastructure and numerous tour starting points.
The report highlights a current shortage in accommodations to meet the growing demand. To address this, the Irkutsk Oblast has received nearly 600 million rubles in federal funding for 19 modular hotel construction projects, expected to add over 490 rooms by the end of the year. The Buryatia Republic has also secured nearly 550 million rubles for 24 similar projects, adding another 425 rooms.
