All-Russian “Tourism Cities” competition won by Syktyvkar and Salekhard

The national cultures of the Finno-Ugric peoples have been skillfully harnessed to serve the tourism industry in the Russian Federation. Thus, Syktyvkar, the capital of the Komi Republic, and Salekhard, the capital of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, were declared winners of the third All-Russian “Tourism Cities” competition.

The awards were given for the development of tourist routes, gastronomic programmes, and the organisation of events. For example, Syktyvkar hosted 460 ethnocultural events, featured ethnic cuisine, and until recently was home to the Finno-Ugric Cultural Centre of the Russian Federation. The Finno-Ugric ethnopark established in the village of Yb, located near the capital, certainly contributed to the victory.

In the case of Salekhard, the city’s uniqueness was highlighted, as it is the only city in the world located exactly on the Arctic Circle. The city also has a 430-year history and preserves the traditions of local indigenous peoples. Salekhard is home to 2,500 representatives of indigenous peoples (Khanty and Nenets), and features an ethnopark, a museum, and a handicraft centre. Visitors to the city receive a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle, and 25 ethnic events are held annually.

A total of 387 projects from 70 regions were submitted to the competition. 102 city projects from 60 regions made it to the finals — the competition was fierce.

According to the 2021 census, Komi people make up just over 13% of Syktyvkar’s population (235,000). In 2010, Komi people accounted for over a quarter of the city’s residents. This clearly illustrates how rapidly the process of Russification is taking place in cities, including Syktyvkar.

Last summer, the aforementioned federal Finno-Ugric centre in Syktyvkar was also shut down.