Head of the Tourism Agency Arseniy Krepsky on what is worth seeing, trying and doing in Primorye
- Arseny, what is Primorsky Krai proud in the first place?
- Of course, it is worth starting with our amazingly rich nature. And to appreciate its beauty, you do not even have to go far from Vladivostok. It is enough to go to the island of Russky in the city and go on a hike to Cape Tobizin or meet the sunset on the Novosiltsevo battery, right at the Russian Bridge. There are many picturesque bays in Primorye. Some of them are literally half an hour drive from Vladivostok, for example the famous Glass, the shore of which is strewn with small pieces of colored glass. In the neighborhood there is the Cove of Azure, better known as Shamora. In summer, this three-kilometer sandy beach is very much loved by vacationers. Other picturesque bays will have to be reached by passing car. I recommend a trip to Triozeria near Nakhodka, the bay received its name for its proximity to three fresh water bodies. No less picturesque landscapes are waiting for you in the Bay of Gamov in the Hasan district. The Telyakovsky pine grows here, a rare tree for Russia, which is even listed in the Red Book. Pine with spreading evergreen crown, resembling an umbrella, feels great on the rocks. There is an old belief: it is believed that if you hug a pine for about 3-5 minutes, then all the negative will come out of you. A model of this tree, which has become one of the symbols of the Primorsky Territory, can be seen at the exhibition "Russia", which until April 12 is held at VDNKh. What are the symbols of the region?
Of course, they're lighthouses. One of the most recognizable is Tokarevsky on the Shkota Peninsula in Vladivostok. You can get here even by public transport, so tourists who come to our administrative center are sure to visit this attraction. The lighthouse stands on a narrow sand spit, the so-called “cat”. In good weather, you can freely walk along it, but after a storm or during high tide you will have to take off your shoes and twist your jeans strongly. Beautiful Tokarevsky lighthouse with a spectacular red roof looks from the water. You can make good shots during a sea walk, which begins with a pier on the Ship's embankment. By the way, if you have not yet reached the original, at the stand of the Primorsky Territory at the exhibition "Russia" you can just see the layout of the Tokarev lighthouse. Among other beautiful lighthouses, I would mention Gamov. It is best to explore during a sea tour of the Far Eastern Marine Reserve. And I always invite guests of the region to the Baluzek lighthouse, which adorns the eponymous cape. This place has its charm in all weather. In sunlight, it resembles a fabulous castle, and in the fog it acquires mystery. Getting here from Vladivostok will take almost 8 hours, but the views are definitely worth it. Tell us about important events in the region.
Is there event tourism in Primorye?
- Yes, it is developing in the region, and very successfully. For example, participants come to the September marathon “Bridges of Vladivostok” not only from all over Russia, but also from abroad. There were 3,500 runners this year. In February in the Bay of Novik on the island of Russky is a unique race Ice Run, whose participants run directly on the ice. In July, you can test your endurance and participate in the Leo Run Trail Half Marathon. But, of course, the Primorsky Territory is not only a sport. For example, we have hosted the International Pacific Theatre Festival for two years. Its main goal is to acquaint the audience with productions from the Pacific region and other countries of the world. Another important event for theatergoers is the Mariinsky International Festival. It provides an opportunity to see the best opera and ballet performances performed by leading artists, including those from the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. We also have various gastronomic festivals, which also attract tourists: Oh! Mega Taste, 5 Seas, 3 Oceans, On the Crest, Fisherman’s Day, Primorsky Monsoon. Each of them is dedicated to some seafood popular in the Primorsky Territory. Speaking of seafood. What is the gastronomy of the region famous for? Vladivostok is located at the junction of Europe and Asia, and the geographical location, of course, affected the local cuisine. The city has many Chinese and Korean restaurants where you can taste the dishes of these countries. Recently, more and more chefs cook according to traditional seaside recipes. In the restaurant Zuma you can try our local trumpeter and trepang, and in the menu Rakushka Seafood Bar & Kitchen is presented not only characteristic of Primorye sea scallop, but also a much rarer mollusk Spizula - the pearl of the Sea of Japan. Plus taiga motifs: game, fern. In order to join the cuisine of Primorye, you can visit the House of Russian cuisine at VDNKh. Here with the tour come chefs from Vladivostok, the next scheduled for February. In addition, in 2024 we will present our gastronomic festivals on the site. On January 20-21, the crab festival will take place, on February 17, the event “5 Seas, 3 Oceans” is scheduled, on March 8 and 9, the scallop festival will take place, and on March 30 and 31 the main character will be pollock. Vladivostok is a city by the sea.
Do you have regattas?
Many residents of Vladivostok have their own boat or boat. Going for a boat trip is a common thing on a weekend. But recently, sailing has become increasingly popular. For example, "Wind Power" arranges not only sailing, but also training for those who want to learn how to manage a yacht. There are also competitions for beginners and experienced. In September, during the Eastern Economic Forum, the International Vladivostok Regatta is held - a major sports competition in academic rowing. The main idea of the event is to unite people who love sports and help them find like-minded people. Are there any new ideas to promote the tourism potential of the region? Recently, my colleagues and I thought that it would be interesting to talk about Primorsky Krai through a symphony of sounds of the sea, wind, city, wildlife. We've already started to implement this idea in part, for example, we've released a series of postcards called "How the Land of the Leopard Sounds." You can click the QR code and hear the voices of the inhabitants of one of the most beautiful national parks in Russia. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a unique place where the rarest large cat on the planet lives. You can listen to Vladivostok in the Nagorny Park - on the most modern city platform. In addition to viewing grounds and hiking trails, there is a special grotto in which music sounds, referring to the history of Vladivostok. Nearby there is an art platform with works by local artists. Guests of the exhibition "Russia" can also hear our region. At the stand of the Primorsky Territory, they will find shells in which different bays of the region sound. Everyone has their own voice.
Which of the new attractions would you advise tourists to see? Work is being completed on the arrangement of a new observation deck on the hill of Orlina in Vladivostok, it will be slightly higher than the eponymous platform next to the museum and theater center under construction. The design is done by the same company that created the Mountain Park. From here you will clearly see the Amur Bay, the Egerskjöld Peninsula and the historical center of the city. In general, the improvement of Vladivostok is in full swing: the Admiral Fokin Square is being ennobled at the beginning of our pedestrian “Vladivostok Arbat”, new walking areas along the coast are being built. Among the important projects is the embankment on Tatarskaya, as well as the beach on Cape Akhlestyshev, where there will be all the amenities for vacationers. The point of attraction of residents and guests of the city was the light and musical fountain on the Central Square. And, of course, convenient navigation. There are special stands around the city that will help guests to orient themselves and suggest that interesting things can be seen nearby. This is only a small part of what is done for the convenience of residents and guests of the Far Eastern capital. Creative venues appear only in the capital of Primorsky Krai or in other cities too? Public spaces are developing throughout the region. For example, in the city of Arsenyev created a very stylish city park with a children's playground and an observation room. Not far from Ussuriysk there is a landscape and historical park "Emerald Valley", buildings on the territory are associated with the rich history of Primorye. Walking here will be interesting for the whole family, even in winter, when the residence of Emerald Santa Claus opens its doors. At the holidays, events are arranged, master classes are held. Separately, I will note the Shtykovsky Ponds art park with playgrounds, art objects and photo zones. In summer you can ride water slides, and in winter - on skis. There are walking routes and several restaurants. You don’t have to be bored.
Advise those who go to Vladivostok, your favorite places. It is more than just a walking area, it is a journey that begins at the foot of the hill and ends on a beautiful viewing area. I recommend coming here in the evening, at sunset, to catch the last rays of the sun over the Golden Horn. I also advise you to visit the Primorsky stage of the Mariinsky Theatre. There are always interesting productions performed by the best soloists of opera and ballet, and before the New Year you can see even the legendary Nutcracker. If you want to feel at the resort and swim with a beautiful view, take tickets to the water complex "Aquatoria" with swimming pools, saunas and a very good panoramic restaurant. I also advise you to rent a car and drive around Russky Island, visit Pospelov Fort, visit a sea farm in Voevoda Bay, walk along Cape Tobizin, get acquainted with the inhabitants of the Primorsky Oceanarium, assess the scale of the Far Eastern Federal University. Such an independent tour will allow you to see beautiful places, take bright shots and feel the rhythm of Primorye.
The interview was prepared and published 