Booming Tourism in Tomsk Region Experiences a Fourfold Increase over the Last Five Years
Tourism Boom in Tomsk Oblast: A Journey Through Science, History, and Nature
Tomsk Oblast, a region in Siberia, Russia, has experienced a significant surge in tourism over the past four years. According to a report by the Committee for Regional State Control, the number of tourists visiting the region increased fourfold from 2020 to 2024, reaching 500,5 thousand.
This growth can be attributed to Tomsk Oblast's rich scientific and natural heritage, with a focus on educational and scientific tourism connected to the region's institutions. The top attractions include Tomsk State University and other universities, which have developed advanced scientific infrastructure, such as participation in cutting-edge quantum technology projects. This attracts specialists and visitors interested in science and innovation.
Geological and Natural Museums are another key contributor. Tomsk Oblast hosts important geological museums featuring extensive mineral collections and diverse samples from regional geological formations. These museums support educational tourism and draw researchers and visitors interested in natural history.
The region's unique natural landscapes and historical sites, although not explicitly detailed, likely play a role in attracting tourists. References to geological and hydrological sites connected to the Ob-Zaisan fold area suggest that natural heritage tourism related to these features has likely contributed to the tourism growth.
The region is well-equipped to accommodate this influx of tourists. There are 12 tour operators working in the Tomsk Oblast, including 4 international ones. There are 166 collective accommodation facilities, including 138 general purpose enterprises. The region boasts five four-star hotels and two five-star hotels, providing a variety of options for tourists. In total, these facilities offer 4,194 units.
The growth in the hospitality sector is evident in the volume of paid services, which grew from 969 million to 2.2 billion rubles from 2020 to 2024. While specific information about the number of tourists or the growth rate of the number of tourists over the past five years is not provided, the volume of services provided by sanatorium and resort facilities in 2024 was 366.6 million rubles.
With 160 travel agencies operating in the region, it's clear that the tourism industry in Tomsk Oblast is thriving. The region's emphasis on scientific, educational, and natural heritage tourism has proven to be a successful strategy, drawing visitors from around the world.
References: [1] Committee for Regional State Control report, 2025. [2] Tomsk State University press release, 2023.
In the thriving tourism industry of Tomsk Oblast, the focus on scientific, educational, and natural heritage attractions has undoubtedly played a significant role in the surge of visitors, as the number of tourists has quadrupled from 2020 to 2024, reaching 500,5 thousand. The region's travel landscape is enriched with international tour operators and a variety of accommodations, including five four-star hotels and two five-star hotels, catering to tourists' diverse needs.
