This conference opened in Russia’s Northern capital on 7 July is focused on setting priorities in updating economic sectors that are especially important for the development of water tourism. Attending the conference are specialized committees of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy, the Transportation Ministry, the Ministry of Regional Development, representatives of administrations of Russian regions, large-scale private businesses, tour operators, etc.

A working session entitled “Development of Internal Water Ways. Construction and Development of Littoral Infrastructure” was addressed by Roman Afonin, officer in charge of special projects of METROPOL Group of Companies, executive director of the Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal, who made a report on prospects of implementation of public-private partnership projects in littoral infrastructure construction. He dwelt on the experience of METROPOL Group in the implementation of a major investment project, Baikal Harbor special economic zone of tourism and vacation type, being set up in the mouth of the Turka River on Lake Baikal (the Republic of Buryatia).