KAVKAZ.RF
KAVKAZ.RF

Joint-Stock Company “KAVKAZ.RF” (JSC “KAVKAZ.RF”) was established in accordance with Resolution No. 833 of the Government of the Russian Federation dated October 14, 2010, to manage tourism and recreation special economic zones within the tourism cluster in the North Caucasus Federal District (the tourism cluster). Currently, the tourism cluster project managed by JSC “KAVKAZ.RF” includes six tourism and recreation special economic zones, within which projects are being implemented to create seven all-season tourism and recreation complexes and one coastal cluster.

The Arkhyz mountain resort is entering its second phase of infrastructure development.

The ski resort, built by Kavkaz.RF, welcomes approximately one million tourists annually, has virtually equalized winter and summer tourist flows, and is now preparing for a major new infrastructure project. Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Sergey Nazarov and CEO of Kavkaz.RF, Andrey Yumshanov, arrived to inspect the contractors and the team's readiness.

Sergey Nazarov chaired a meeting of the working group on the development of the Arkhyz resort in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Participants discussed the construction of a new airport complex, the development of utility infrastructure, the implementation of investment projects, and measures to legalize the tourism industry.

Arkhyz is one of the largest tourism projects in the North Caucasus. Forty-three residents are registered within the resort's special economic zone. The total announced investment volume is 119.2 billion rubles, with the creation of 4,200 jobs. Further development of the resort includes the creation of an additional 30 km of ski slopes and six cable cars.

Now it's necessary to "open" the logistical bottleneck. Currently, tourists reach the gorge via the Mineralnye Vody air hub, a journey that takes several hours. Therefore, special attention was paid during the meeting to the construction of the new Arkhyz airport complex. The project is being implemented under a concession agreement. The new airport will be built in the Zelenchuksky District of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, a half-hour drive from the resort. Its capacity will be up to 1,000 passengers per hour. Estimated passenger traffic by 2032 is up to two million people per year.

"Today, we face the task of synchronizing the implementation of all projects that affect the development of Arkhyz. This concerns not only the construction of new resort facilities, but also the development of transport and engineering infrastructure, the creation of accommodations, and the improvement of the quality of tourist services. The expansion of the resort and the construction of the airport must proceed in parallel—these are interconnected projects that will determine the further growth of tourism and investment activity in the region," noted Sergey Nazarov.

The resort is preparing for the second phase of large-scale infrastructure construction, including cable cars and trails. The general contractor and equipment suppliers have been selected, and financing agreements have been signed. Construction, installation, and preparatory work are already underway on site. The Russian company Ruslet will supply the cable car equipment, as it did at Elbrus.

Arkhyz is important to us as a model resort, where the government's idea of ​​attracting investors to established basic infrastructure in a completely different quality and quantity than to a "blank field" was first realized. The resort is actively developing and has become a vibrant part of Mantera's ecosystem of experiences, where new tourism trends, such as astronomy, are emerging. As we embark on yet another challenging construction project of a new resort from scratch, Arkhyz's example motivates us to overcome all the challenges so that more such integral, beautiful places can emerge," shared Andrey Yumshanov.

A separate section of the meeting was devoted to the legalization of accommodation facilities within the resort and adjacent communities. This work is aimed at increasing the transparency of the tourism market, improving service quality, and ensuring fair competition. Sixty inspections were conducted in the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic, identifying 41 accommodation facilities that were not included in the register of classified accommodation facilities. The owners were issued notices to rectify the violations.

Furthermore, Kavkaz.RF developed master plans for the Arkhyz and Dombay resorts and adjacent areas last year. These proposals are for the integrated development of the area. According to the Arkhyz subcluster's master plan, 10 tourist routes are to be created between the resort, the village of Arkhyz, and Sofiyskaya Polyana, along with landscaping. In Dombay, it is also proposed to implement integrated landscaping, 72 km of tourist routes, and expand the ski area. Seven routes covering 46 km have already been upgraded and certified. The master plans themselves are currently being developed by the Government of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic.

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