You can now pay for a visit to the Astafiev Bay by QR code

The Directorate of Reserves "Land of the Leopard" in the Primorsky Territory has introduced a modern system of ticket payment by QR code. The innovation is already available on the most popular tourist destination - in the Astafiev Bay of the Far Eastern Marine Reserve.

The decision to introduce QR-payment was made at the numerous requests of tourists who want to make visiting natural attractions as comfortable as possible. Now, at the height of the summer tourist season, payment for tickets has become available online.

QR codes are placed directly on the ground, which makes the payment process as convenient as possible. The stable Internet connection necessary for the operation of the system is provided by cellular amplifiers. The QR code is also available on the official Lands of the Leopard website and in the visit center in the village of Barabash. To pay for the ticket, it is enough to scan the code with the smartphone camera through any online bank application or its web version.

The introduction of QR payment is a step towards our guests, which makes visiting the Land of the Leopard even more accessible. We strive to create comfortable conditions for everyone who wants to touch the amazing nature of Primorye, said Viktor Bardyuk, Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Land of the Leopard”. 

The new payment system is not only a convenience for tourists, but also a step towards the digitalization of reserves, which will optimize the work on the registration of visitors and improve the efficiency of the management of protected areas. 

Astafiev is a bay in the south of Primorye, famous for snow-white sand and clean water. Unlike many other bays, the Astafiev coastline is not built up with bases and cafes, since the coast is included in the 500-meter buffer zone of the Far Eastern Marine Reserve. At the same time, the water area is part of the reserve, a ticket is required to visit.

Earlier, scientists conducted a study that showed that a limited number of visitors to the water area will not affect its ecological state. All funds received from the development of ecotourism go to measures to preserve the Far Eastern leopard, the Amur tiger and the nature of the south of Primorye from poaching, natural fires and other threats. 

The Far Eastern Marine Biosphere Reserve was established in 1978 to preserve in its original form the natural environment of Peter the Great Bay, the richest in marine and island flora and fauna in Russia. This is the country's first marine reserve. In 2003, the territory received the status of a biosphere reserve. Since 2021, it has been under the management of the Land of the Leopard Reserves.

Material and photo: FGBI "Land of the Leopard".