Skift Take
While it is simpler to take a wilderness getaway when you’re an autocratic leader with all the levers of power at hand, a pre-packaged tour with an official government recommendation uses a certain complacency as well.
Jason Clampet
Russians will be able to backtrack President Vladimir Putin’s footsteps in his cherished Siberian holiday areas under plans being developed by the state travel agency Rostourism.
In reaction to public need, the company said travel business are creating a travel plan covering numerous Siberian areas where Putin has actually relaxed for many years.
His wilderness leisure pursuits have actually long formed part of his macho image, with the Kremlin releasing photos of him swimming, horseriding and hunting, often bare-chested. Last month he was revealed hiking in forested mountains and fishing with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
“This encourages countless travelers to find Russia’s appeal,” Rostourism boss Zarina Doguzova stated in an Instagram post for Putin’s 69th birthday last week.
“Thanks to your assistance, the tourist and hospitality industry have entered a new development phase.”
In street interviews, several Russians expressed enthusiasm for the concept, while worrying such trips might be pricey when compared to package vacations abroad.
“Anybody in their best mind will definitely be interested due to the fact that the places our president chooses are really unusual,” said Muscovite Alexander Ilyin.
Tatyana Lukach, 37, stated: “It seems to me such trips would be really helpful for Russia to bring together individuals and keep nationwide spirit.”
The government has pledged to support the COVID-hit travel industry, consisting of by providing cashback for trips reserved utilizing the country’s card payment system Mir. Doguzova stated in July she expected internal tourist to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2021.
(Extra reporting by Svetlana Ivanova; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Andrew Heavens)
This post was written by Maria Vasilyeva from Reuters and was legally certified through the Market Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email safeguarded]
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