In 2024, the growth rate of tourist flow fell in the republics of the North Caucasus. At the same time, the district itself will consistently attract interest from tourists in the next 10-15 years. This was stated by the vice-president of the Alliance of Travel Agencies Association, Aleksan Mkrtchyan, during a speech at the North Caucasus Tourism Forum in Derbent.

“If earlier in 2021, 2022, 2023 we reported on the same Dagestan that there was plus 30%, then this year there is around plus 10-12%, because it is impossible to grow all the time with a low base. Growth of plus 10-12% per year, which I see in the next two years, is stable normal growth. Some republics, of course, are growing more, for example, North Ossetia, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia, especially where there are large projects,” Mkrtchyan shared.

According to him, the tourist infrastructure in the North Caucasus Federal District is not keeping up with the increased demand. In particular, the North Caucasus is sorely lacking 4-5 star hotels. Their construction will attract tourists, including in the winter season.

“As soon as they build a good spa center with a heated pool and a thermal spring, they will go there, including high-budget tourists,” Mkrtchyan added.