Primorye's heroic past attracts travelers

One area currently actively developing in the region is patriotic tourism. Almost all tour companies in the region have a line of offers related to this area of their activities.

Primorye has historical monuments dating back to the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. During the Civil War, local partisans and soldiers of the People's Revolutionary Army of the Far Eastern Republic defeated the invaders here. The region also witnessed the legendary Khasan events and the equally legendary Damansky events. In May, Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, and in September, the 80th anniversary of the victory over the Japanese militarists and the end of World War II.

"Every family has a connection to that distant time. In our family, my great-grandfather fought in the war, and my grandparents worked in factories. The medals we keep in our home serve as a reminder of their heroism and resilience. It's important to remember and pass on these stories to future generations," says renowned restaurateur Azamat Mukhamedov.

In his opinion, an important task today is to introduce people to the cuisine of the war years, as it helps preserve the memory of that time and the people who survived the hardships of war.

The kitchen was the unit's "soul." The most respected and honorable soldier, trusted and loved by all, was appointed cook.

In the spring, the regional tourist information center (TIC) participated in the development of the historical and patriotic project "Victory Kitchen." These included dishes with recipes unusual for today (Iwashi herring, which was sent to the front in barrels, steamed dried fish, and wild taiga vegetables). Or Lend-Lease products: tens of thousands of crates of stewed meat, canned sausages, ham, and soup concentrates passed through Vladivostok. Bread, along with weapons, was and remains one of the most important factors in helping to endure and defend one's homeland.

Primorye wasn't a battlefield, but life in the region was defined by its border location. Even today, excursion routes weave together the stories of the first female captain, Anna Shchetinina, the participants of the "Fiery Flights," the exploits of the Dalzavod workers, merchant sailors, and the crew of the S-56 submarine.

On the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum held in Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai Tourism Minister Natalia Naboychenko spoke about the work being carried out by her department and the regional Tourism Information Center in this area.

"We're compiling a register of memorial sites. In large cities, war memorials are well-known. They're often talked about, and delegations are brought there. But the modest pyramids with stars in smaller towns are no less worthy of respect and attention. That's why we're compiling a register. When passing through a village, Primorye residents or visitors will be able to obtain detailed information about these memorials. For the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, we developed a military-patriotic quest and a map highlighting sites of military glory, museums, monuments, and memorial plaques, all integrated into the tourist and information infrastructure, creating a space for historical memory," the minister explains.

Memorial sites are included in excursion routes. For example, according to geodata, such a popular site as the legendary S-56 submarine was visited by over 150,000 people in the first seven months of this year. Tour companies combine natural beauty with memorial sites when planning routes, as is the case with the Khasansky District. This has become a firm rule. There are group tours for schoolchildren called "Roads of Victory." Children from Primorsky Krai travel to other Russian cities, and schoolchildren from various regions come to the region, but the core of these tours is the same: to introduce places associated with the glorious historical past.

"Patriotism also has a place in international cooperation," continued Natalia Naboychenko. "At the end of August, a Chinese tourist rally—seven cars and 20 people—ended. They not only saw our natural attractions but also honored the memory of those who fought against fascism while visiting Ussuriysk, Pogranichny, and Kamen-Rybolov. In Vladivostok, the guests laid flowers at the Eternal Flame on Korabelnaya Embankment. In July, representatives of the tourism industry and public organizations visited border China as part of the Red Tumen project and paid tribute to Soviet soldiers by laying wreaths at the monument in Tumen. The project itself is aimed at preserving memory, developing tourism, and is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the end of World War II. Incidentally, there are six Soviet soldier burial sites in Jilin Province, and 17 in Heilongjiang Province.

Primorsky Krai is not only the sea, beaches and gastronomy, it is also about helping the home front, the exploits of our soldiers, and the defense of our borders.

Natalya Naboychenko also cited an example of a Vladivostok resident who, with the help of tour companies, located the death site of her relative, a participant in those historical events. It was a very important and touching story.

Tourist train trips from Vladivostok to North Korea also have a patriotic component. According to the minister, the first train in May was dedicated to Victory Day. The July train departed when North Korea celebrated its national holiday—Victory Day in the Great War for the Liberation of the Fatherland—and the August train marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War.

"The department will continue to implement such projects next year. New excursions, meetings, and routes will be introduced. We can't do without them. It's important to understand and remember that Primorsky Krai isn't just about the sea, beaches, and gastronomy, but also about helping the home front, the heroic deeds of our soldiers, and defending our borders. Today, we need to actively engage with the younger generation, talking about the heroic deeds of people during both the Great Patriotic War and the special operation. Every generation has its heroes, and the current one should have them too," Natalia Naboychenko concluded.

Meanwhile

Patriotic education for the younger generation is being promoted through the "Young Guide School." Children learn about the events and Primorye's contribution to the Victory, the people whose names the streets bear, and the importance of preserving memories for future generations. This project has been running since 2021. Each group consists of 15-20 inquisitive children.