China’s Interests in the Russian Arctic Tourism

This article discusses research and assessment of prospects for Chinese tourism development in the Russian Arctic. Promotion of Arctic tourism is an important focus of strategic development of the Russian Arctic (Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, AZRF), which is evidenced by a number of adopted documents. The Russian Arctic with its great natural and cultural potential nowadays attracts attention of both Russian and foreign tourists, including those from China. The paper considers a positive example of attracting foreign tourist resources in Murmansk region as one of the most popular destinations among Chinese travelers. Research found out that several leading tourist operators in China are interested in expanding business relations with the Russian Arctic regions, which is displayed both in promotion of such tourist destinations as Murmansk in tour packages sold at the Chinese market, and in some targeted thematic tours to the Russian Arctic. Chinese tourism in the Russian Arctic holds promise to spread out as a mass phenomenon, since statistical indicators prove that travelers from the PRC are beginning to take leading positions in this sector. Successful development of tourist potential in the Russian Arctic greatly depends on effective solution of a number of challenges typical for northern regions of the Russian Federation.