The future of auto tourism and new routes were discussed in Nizhny Novgorod.

      April 4, 2026 13:28 Society The future of auto tourism and new routes for travelers were discussed at the XXI International Exhibition-Forum of Regional Hospitality "Intourmarket" (12+), which is taking place from April 2 to 4, the press service of the regional government reported. The Ministry of Tourism and Crafts of the Nizhny Novgorod Region noted that auto tourism is among the priority areas of the region's work within the framework of the national project "Tourism and Hospitality." The head of the department, Sergey Yakovlev, emphasized at the round table "Auto Tourism: How Responsible Business is Ahead of Time, Shapes the Industry, and Together with the State Demonstrates a Comprehensive Approach to Territory Development," that this direction has great potential. According to him, it is important to create conditions to attract new travelers, including people without personal vehicles, families with children, and citizens with limited health capabilities. Natalia Pletnikova, head of the transport solutions center "Modern Transport Technologies," pointed out that there are many interesting locations within a radius of 60–200 kilometers from Nizhny Novgorod that are currently difficult to reach by public transport, especially with children. One possible solution she mentioned is the launch of specialized tourist transport for small groups of 12–16 people heading to a single point on the route. Furthermore, Pletnikova noted that people with limited health capabilities still remain overlooked by most regions. As a possible solution, she suggested using minivans with wheelchair lifts, as well as tourist buses adapted for joint trips for all categories of travelers. Work continues in the region to create new auto routes. Recently, two routes related to the Nizhny Novgorod region appeared on the national tourist portal Travel.rf — one regional and one interregional. The relevant ministry reminded that the two-day route "On the Roads of Princes and Masters of the Nizhny Novgorod Region," with a length of 210 kilometers, passes through Balakhna, Purekh, Chkalovsk, Zavolzhye, and Gorodets. Travelers can learn about the history of salt production and Volga shipbuilding, as well as Balakhna lace and Purekh bells. The five-day interregional route "From Nizhny Novgorod Shrines to Saratov Latitudes," with a length of 851 kilometers, passes through the pilgrimage-tourist cluster "Arzamas – Diveevo – Sarov" - Nizhny Novgorod, Penza, and Saratov regions, as well as Mordovia. It introduces tourists to places associated with the name of the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov. At the same time, the region is building safe and quality roads and developing roadside infrastructure. Thus, at the 421st kilometer of the M-12 "East" highway, the first hotel for tourists with 45 rooms, a café, and a children's playground has already opened. Promoting the tourist potential of the regions, developing domestic tourism, and improving the transport accessibility of the country are part of the people's program of "United Russia." Nikolai Upirvitsky, deputy chairman of the committee on economics, industry, entrepreneurship support, trade, and tourism of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, a member of the "United Russia" faction, stated that the development of culture and tourism contributes to the economic growth of the regions. According to him, a separate section of the party's people's program is dedicated to this direction, and deputies are conducting systematic work to make the tourism industry a driver of development for the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Let us remind you that the national project "Tourism and Hospitality," initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has become the successor to the national project "Tourism and the Hospitality Industry." It aims to develop tourist infrastructure, produce domestic products for the industry, and prepare specialized personnel. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.