The flow of tourists to the North increased by 70% in 2022 compared to 2021, said Anton Ilyin, representative of the Karelian Ministry of Property, at the international forum "The Arctic: Present and Future" in St. Petersburg.
According to Ilyin, 1.5 million people visited Karelia in 2022. In addition, the tourist flow to the North increased by 70% compared to 2021.
The official spoke about the mechanisms for the development of Arctic tourism, including the implementation of the "Hectare in the Arctic" program and the development of Arctic specially protected natural areas.
Tourist and hotel services in Karelia are one of the most popular types of land use provided under the "Hectare in the Arctic" program. It is chosen by more than 20% of applicants. Interest in the program is high, more than 1,000 positive decisions have been made to date, Ilyin said.