Resorts in the North Caucasus plan to launch a pilot project called "Skier's Passport" to attract tourists from Asia. Travelers will be able to enter Russia visa-free after purchasing ski passes. This was announced by the general director of JSC "Northern Caucasus Resorts" (JSC "KSK") Khasan Timizhev at the First All-Russian Conference of Ski Resorts.
"We could introduce a 'Ski Passport' (SKI ID) for foreign tourists from Asia and Arab countries. The North Caucasus Federal District is proposed as a pilot region in Russia—this issue has already been agreed upon with the Russian Ministry of the Caucasus. Once agreements are concluded between Russia and these countries, tourists will be able to obtain a 'Ski Passport' when purchasing a ski pass, eliminating the need for a visa," he said, according to the press service of JSC North Caucasus Resorts.
In addition, at the All-Russian Conference of Ski Resorts, Khasan Timizhev presented a number of proposals to stimulate the development of the ski industry in Russia.
"The development of the resorts managed by our company—Arkhyz, Elbrus, and Veduchi—is being supported by extensive government support from the Russian Ministry of North Caucasus Affairs. However, most ski resorts in the country lack this support—they are developing independently, using funds from small private businesses. A significant 'support' for them could be a preferential rate on property and land taxes, subsidies for infrastructure upgrades, and equipment purchases," he said.
According to Hasan Timizhev, the development of ski resorts will help popularize alpine skiing.
"A significant portion of our country is mountainous. If every resident had access to a training slope nearby, there's a good chance they'd come to our resorts for real mountain vacations," he noted.
He also believes that efforts should be focused on countries in Asia and the Middle East, as these are the fastest-growing segments of the ski industry. He suggested that the responsible agencies consider extending the positive experience of visa-free entry for football fans to the ski industry as well.
Source: trn-news.ru