The Potential of Industrial Tourism Sites in the Karelian Arctic

This article, devoted to unknown industrial sites in the Karelian Arctic, is based on materials from field research carried out in 4 regions of the Karelian Arctic: Segezhskiy, Belomorskiy, Loukhskiy, Kemskiy. The aim of the study is to analyze the potential for the development of industrial tourism in the Karelian Arctic based on expedition data in order to identify industrial tourism sites and develop recommendations for the formation of a new Concept for Arctic Tourism in the Russian Federation. During the study, four types of industrial tourism characteristic of the Arctic zone of the Republic of Karelia were identified: mining tourism; pulp and paper industry tourism; gastronomic tourism; water tourism. The development of the Kemsko-Belomorskaya agglomeration in the Arctic zone of the Republic of Karelia would enable year-round tourism activities, which would lead to growth in Arctic tourism. According to forecasts by the Government of the Republic of Karelia, tourist traffic to the Karelian Arctic will increase fivefold by 2035 (to 180,500 people). The practical objectives of the expedition were to identify and assess the potential of industrial tourism sites in the Karelian Arctic; to attract new audiences interested in non-standard types of tourism; to raise awareness of the geological and natural heritage of Arctic Karelia. The theoretical purpose of the expedition was to develop a concept for industrial tourism in the Karelian Arctic as part of the formation of a new Concept for the Development of Arctic Tourism in the Russian Federation. During the study, conclusions were made regarding the prospects for the development of industrial tourism in the Karelian Arctic, and the potential for development and risks were identified. The obstacles to the development of industrial tourism in the Karelian Arctic include the inconvenient location of industrial facilities and insufficient transport accessibility for tourists. The need to improve the infrastructure and transport accessibility of industrial facilities is a key factor for the development of industrial tourism.