RUSSIAN EXPORT CENTER
5 Russian regions will be involved in inbound tourism acceleration programs powered by REC
Russian Export Center and Export support centers launched pilot acceleration programs for inbound tourism development in two more regions, namely in the Yaroslavl Oblast and the Republic of Karelia. The first program was launched in 2019 in the Kaliningrad Oblast. By the end of 2020, the program will cover five Russian regions including the Republic of Tatarstan and the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.

Despite the introduction of electronic visas in Russia, problems for inbound tourism development still exist, in particular with a limited offer for foreign tourists and lack of focus on local destinations. This results in the absence of custom-tailored tourism products for foreign markets and problems with their promotion abroad, as they often fall out from the matrix of interests of foreign tourists.

Tourism accelerator is a comprehensive program aimed at developing the inbound tourism potential and facilitating local tour operators in approaching foreign markets. The project is implemented based on the services provided by regional Export support centers.

Tour operators, participating in the program to enter foreign markets, may enjoy individual support provided by industry experts. The support includes searching for a new market, marketing research, tourism products adjustment and customization. Besides, program participants get assistance in searching for local and foreign partners to conclude export contracts.

Along with custom support, regional travel industry may enjoy the monthly educational program. The program offers its participants the possibility to develop inbound tourism projects within the framework of the Laboratory for the development of export tourism products. The idea is based on the service design principle, i.e. offers and services are custom-tailored in accordance with the target audience demands. The activities held in the form of workshops allow to develop destination concepts for foreign tourists, differentiate offers, create new offers and communication channels to reach tourists.

It is expected that more than 30 tour operators from 5 Russian regions will enjoy individual support measures provided with the accelerator and aimed to facilitate the expansion into foreign markets by the end of 2020. Moreover, 150 companies will take part in educational projects and laboratory activities to develop export tourism products.