Russian Industrial Enterprises Attract Millions of Tourists
Russian Industrial Enterprises Attract Millions of Tourists
14 May
In 2024, a total of 2,000 industrial enterprises across the country welcomed tourists. The overall tourist flow, comprising both Russian and international visitors, reached 2 million people. This was announced by Sergey Katyrin, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, at a press conference held as part of the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum". According to him, the number of visitors is now considerably higher.
He noted that industrial tourism opens up additional opportunities for enterprises to attract investment, as well as to promote their own brand, their region of presence, and the country as a whole. For tourists, particularly young people, industrial tourism provides a chance to learn about specific professions and employment prospects.
The President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed that there are many enterprises in Russia which cannot be opened to visitors due to economic security concerns and high-risk production environments. However, even those that do welcome guests must devote attention to preparations, including developing appropriate tour routes and arranging suitable access.
At the same time, industrial tourism also holds international prospects. Enterprises open to visitors exist in the states of the Islamic world as well, whilst their citizens may well take an interest in Russian production facilities. This area could also become an appealing niche for tour operators. “Not every tourist coming abroad is prepared for a sun-and-sand holiday,” Sergey Katyrin observed.
The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation stated that fostering international cooperation is absolutely vital for the development of industrial tourism.
Shamil Ageev, Chairman of the Union “Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan”, stated that industrial tourism has been actively developed in the region over the past two decades. In addition, the Head of the Republic and his representatives make a point of visiting several enterprises during their trips to other regions and countries. There is considerable interest from Islamic countries; however, time is required for detailed elaboration, as their specific characteristics must be accommodated.
“There are many who wish to take part. However, in the current climate, many enterprises remain impossible to visit as yet. Therefore, we need to engage, for example, enterprises linked to the construction sector. The enterprises themselves are nevertheless ready. We conduct seminars with them, we select enterprises that wish to generate additional income and attract young people to their workforce, and we create quality museums. Different regions require a tailored approach. We will identify those enterprises that can be visited and will work with them intensively,” Shamil Ageev said.
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
He noted that industrial tourism opens up additional opportunities for enterprises to attract investment, as well as to promote their own brand, their region of presence, and the country as a whole. For tourists, particularly young people, industrial tourism provides a chance to learn about specific professions and employment prospects.
The President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed that there are many enterprises in Russia which cannot be opened to visitors due to economic security concerns and high-risk production environments. However, even those that do welcome guests must devote attention to preparations, including developing appropriate tour routes and arranging suitable access.
At the same time, industrial tourism also holds international prospects. Enterprises open to visitors exist in the states of the Islamic world as well, whilst their citizens may well take an interest in Russian production facilities. This area could also become an appealing niche for tour operators. “Not every tourist coming abroad is prepared for a sun-and-sand holiday,” Sergey Katyrin observed.
The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation stated that fostering international cooperation is absolutely vital for the development of industrial tourism.
Shamil Ageev, Chairman of the Union “Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan”, stated that industrial tourism has been actively developed in the region over the past two decades. In addition, the Head of the Republic and his representatives make a point of visiting several enterprises during their trips to other regions and countries. There is considerable interest from Islamic countries; however, time is required for detailed elaboration, as their specific characteristics must be accommodated.
“There are many who wish to take part. However, in the current climate, many enterprises remain impossible to visit as yet. Therefore, we need to engage, for example, enterprises linked to the construction sector. The enterprises themselves are nevertheless ready. We conduct seminars with them, we select enterprises that wish to generate additional income and attract young people to their workforce, and we create quality museums. Different regions require a tailored approach. We will identify those enterprises that can be visited and will work with them intensively,” Shamil Ageev said.
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
