The Kamchatka Territory is preparing for a large-scale renewal of the legislative framework in the field of tourism. The Legislative Assembly of the region will consider in the second and final reading the draft law “On certain issues in the field of tourism in the Kamchatka Territory.” This initiative, developed by a group of regional deputies, including Parliament Speaker Irina Untilova, is designed to adapt the industry to modern challenges and federal standards laid down in Law No. 132 “On the Basics of Tourism Activities in the Russian Federation.”
The new document will replace the current law “On State support for the development of tourism activities in the Kamchatka Territory”, adopted back in 2010. Since then, the tourism industry of the peninsula, known for its volcanoes, geysers and unique wildlife, has experienced significant growth, which requires a more modern and integrated approach to its regulation. According to Irina Untilova, the rapid development of tourism as a branch of the economy dictates the need to bring regional legislation in line not only with federal standards, but also with the current realities of life.
The bill sets ambitious goals for the region. As Irina Untilova emphasized, “the new bill defines the main tasks in the field of tourism in the Kamchatka Territory. This includes the creation of a modern tourism industry, its systematic development, rational use, conservation of resources, an increase in the flow of tourists from Russia and abroad, ensuring their safety, and much more.”
The document pays special attention to priority areas of tourism development. These include social, children’s, youth, environmental, amateur and rural tourism. This choice indicates the desire of the authorities to make holidays in Kamchatka more accessible to various categories of citizens and at the same time to develop the most promising and gentle types of tourism for the unique nature.
In addition, the draft law clearly delineates the powers of the state authorities of the Kamchatka Territory in creating favorable conditions for the development of the tourism industry. Specific areas of government support for this sector of the economy and information support measures have also been identified, which should help increase Kamchatka’s investment attractiveness and recognition as a world-class tourist destination.
Deputies Irina Untilova, Dmitry Timofeev and Roman Litvinov worked on the development of the document. The draft has already successfully passed the first reading at the 47th session of the regional parliament. It is expected that the final adoption of the law will take place at the 48th session, scheduled for May 27, 2025, which will open a new page in the history of Kamchatka tourism.