A multifunctional tourist complex dubbed the “Point of Attraction” will be set up by Nord Element, a new resident of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, which will be acting under the agreement with the Russian Far East and Arctic Development Corporation (FEDC). The project that has secured private investments in the amount of more than 135 million rubles will be implemented in the historical center of the Kola Peninsula.
A new hospitality facility that can accommodate up to 130 people at a time will be built step by step within 5 years. Until 2027, more than 40 modern guest houses of various categories with panoramic windows and terraces, glampings and cafes will be set up in the Kola suburbs. Wood-frame modular houses manufactured by local producers on a turnkey basis are tailored to ensure comfortable stay in Northern climate conditions. The architects adhered to a trending barnhouse style that weaves together three mainstream currents: loft, minimalism and bionics, exhibiting its inherent placid color range of interiors and comfortable layouts of premises. The houses have living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, as well as underfloor heating and saunas. All building seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape, with nature remaining almost unaffected and natural relief preserved.
A cafe that can accommodate up to 90 guests will become another point of attraction. Gastronomic tourism enthusiasts will also appreciate Northern cuisine dishes made with Kola Peninsula products and wild herbs. Service is provided both in the in-house dining area or rooms and on the take-out basis.
The AZRF resident believes that this is the optimal place to implement the project. The all-season complex will take up a territory of about 31 hectares in a 15-minute drive fr om the airport along the Murmansk highway, a mainstream car traffic route connecting St. Petersburg and the Arctic.
“As a tourist destination, the Kola Peninsula is gaining traction year by year. The number of those willing to feel the Arctic’s icy breath and gaze upon the northern lights, take part in maritime fishing and check out the whales is on the rise, as is the demand for high-quality accommodation locations. Our project is meant to meet this demand coming not only from residents of other Russian regions, but also from the locals. Despite sanctions, we stick to our plans. The first stage of construction is due to begin by late 2022. We will provide high-quality services, including by attracting reliable tour operators and exciting our guests with the Russian North cuisine so that they would like to come back here”, said Aleksandr Zasukha, Managing Director of Nord Element LLC.
According to Maria Badmatsyrenova, Deputy Director of the Law Enforcement Monitoring Department of the FEDC, tourism is one of leading sectors in terms of the number of investment projects that are underway in the Far Eastern Federal District and Russian Arctic. Residents of the Advanced Special Economic Zones, Free Port Vladivostok and Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation are creating more than 250 tourist projects for a total of 189 billion rubles.
So far, the status of a resident of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation has been granted to 369 investors that are implementing projects for a total of about 372.5 billion rubles that will make it possible to employ more than 15,800 local northerners. At the same time, the Murmansk Oblast ranks first among 9 constituent entities wh ere AZRF preferential regime is fully or partially applied while a third of the projects announced by AZRF residents (129) are being implemented in this region.
The procedure for obtaining AZRF resident status has been simplified as much as possible; a relevant application may be filled out on the Arctic Russia portal.
