In a move designed to inspire its youth and connect them with their extraordinary natural heritage, Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula has announced that high school graduates can now access electronic certificates for complimentary excursions to the world-renowned Valley of Geysers. This initiative not only celebrates academic achievement but also aims to foster a deep appreciation for one of the planet’s most striking geothermal wonders, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in Russia’s Far East.
The program targets 2026 secondary school graduates, inviting them to apply for their electronic certificates via the regional gosuslugi41.ru portal by September 30, 2026. These certificates remain valid for three years from the year of graduation, offering valuable flexibility for the young explorers. The comprehensive program extends beyond the iconic geysers, encompassing visits to the Uzon caldera, the pristine Nalychevo Nature Park, and breathtaking aerial tours over active volcanoes like Maly Semyachik and Karymsky, ensuring an immersive experience of Kamchatka’s dramatic volcanic landscape.
Vladimir Rusanov, Minister of Tourism for Kamchatka Krai, highlighted the long-standing success and profound impact of the program, now in its sixth year. “For many of these young people, this excursion serves as their inaugural deep dive into the natural riches of Kamchatka,” Rusanov stated. “Our mission is to empower graduates to witness and truly internalize the unparalleled uniqueness of their native region, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for its future and its vital role in global biodiversity.”
Once certified, participants finalize their arrangements through the same regional portal, selecting a preferred tour operator and specific dates for their journey. This year, three competitively selected tour operators — OOO Vityaz Travel, OOO Virtus-Tour, and OOO Kamchatskaya Vershina — are facilitating these unique expeditions, ensuring a high standard of experience and safety while navigating Kamchatka’s challenging terrain.
This impactful initiative, launched in 2021, operates under the ambit of the state program “Development of Domestic and Inbound Tourism in Kamchatka Krai.” It reflects a broader governmental commitment to fostering regional pride, promoting sustainable tourism, and investing in the educational and cultural development of its younger generation. To date, this pioneering program has enabled 2,468 Kamchatka school graduates to experience the awe-inspiring Valley of Geysers, solidifying its role as a key component of youth engagement and regional exploration efforts within the Russian Federation.