Russia plans ‘Sacred Path’ project to attract Muslim tourists

MOSCOW (MNTV) — Russia is developing a specialised Muslim tourism project called “Sacred Path,” or Izge Sukmak in Tatar, aimed at attracting both domestic tourists and visitors from Islamic countries, a senior Muslim cleric said.

Mufti Albir Krganov, head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, said the initiative is designed to promote Islamic cultural heritage across Russia’s regions while boosting tourism and regional economies.

“The development of the Izge Sukmak Muslim tourism project is an important step in stimulating domestic tourism and attracting more tourists from around the world to Russia,” Krganov said in comments to TASS.

He said the route will offer travellers opportunities to explore regions linked to Islam, combining religious, cultural and natural attractions. Planned activities include visits to mosques, prayer halls and other Islamic sites, along with access to national cuisine, local markets and fairs.

Krganov said the project will take a comprehensive approach to visitors’ needs, with mobile applications and specialised websites used to help tourists plan their trips and navigate destinations during their stay.

He also highlighted the project’s economic potential, saying it would encourage infrastructure development, create new jobs and generate broader growth in participating regions.

The initiative has received official backing at the federal level. Support was voiced during a meeting of the Commission on Religious Associations under the Russian government, and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko endorsed the idea of a dedicated religious tourism programme at the International Tourism Forum “Travel!” scheduled for 2026.

Krganov said he previously asked Chernyshenko to instruct the Ministry of Economic Development to review the project’s concept and assist with its implementation, signalling that the proposal has reached the highest levels of government.