Kalmykia Discusses the Development of Pilgrimage and Cultural Routes

On 10 September 2026, Kalmykia hosted a strategy session titled “The Role of Pilgrimage and Cultural-Educational Tourism in Strengthening Russia’s Unity”. The business event formed part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Appearance of Christ the Saviour in Elista.

The session was moderated by domestic tourism expert Natalia Anisimova, founder of the Tourism Development Bureau and creator of the Media Intelligence and Local Geniuses projects, together with Maria Kiseleva, managing partner at the territorial branding agency Trends Travel Consulting.

Participants discussed pilgrimage sites, cultural and historical attractions, tour operators and new tourism products capable of connecting regions across southern Russia. Particular attention was paid to interregional routes and improvements to tourism infrastructure.

Metropolitan Matthew of Pskov and Porkhov highlighted Kalmykia’s role as a place of interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He noted that participation by representatives of different regions and federal experts gave the discussion nationwide relevance.

Alexandra Usacheva, Deputy Director General of the Centre for Strategic Research, said domestic tourism strengthens ties between regions and supports their social and economic development. She described national tourism routes as a potential instrument for the comprehensive development of territories.

Kalmykia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Evgeny Bembeev, proposed developing a route network that would allow travellers to choose different ways of discovering southern Russia. The session considered the Route of Cyril and Methodius and the Southern Belt of Russia project, designed to connect cultural, natural and spiritual attractions in several regions.

Representatives of Dagestan and St Petersburg also discussed how travel can introduce visitors to the history, culture and religious traditions of Russia’s peoples. Participants noted Kalmykia’s potential as a starting point for interregional routes.

The proposals presented during the session are expected to inform further development of tourism routes across the Southern Belt of Russia.

Sources: the press release provided to the editorial team; official programme for the 80th anniversary of the Appearance of Christ the Saviour in Elista.