Tourist Trail Legislation Could Be Adopted by the Government Duma by the End of the Year

In the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, they plan to submit a draft bill by the end of July, aiming to simplify the creation and maintenance of tourist trails and encourage investors by removing restrictions. The document may be reviewed by the State Duma in the fall session and adopted by year's end, according to Valentina Perepelitsyna, Deputy Director of the Department of Project Implementation in the Field of Tourism of the Ministry.

The current creation of trails is complicated by land-use restrictions, legislative gaps related to the concept of trails, and unclear questions on trail operation and maintenance. The document seeks to address these gaps and enable trail passage through agricultural and forestland.

The bill defines a tourist trail, identifies who manages it, and outlines the trail formation process, introducing its identifier. It also clarifies land relations and eases restrictions for tourists.

Perepelitsyna believes that the bill's present concept, jointly developed by ministries and departments, will significantly boost the sector's development, resulting in the creation of more trails across Russia, including the Great Caucasian Trail.

"The trails will be marked consistently across the country, making it easier for tourists to navigate and promote the development of accompanying services, resulting in additional tourist accommodations along their routes," she concluded.