Sofi, A Finnish Syndicate, Taking Part In The Polar Tourism Centre Project

11.02.2010 — News

The Yamal government and the syndicate of Finnish companies Sofi are starting the implementation of the Polar Tourism Centre project. This will include the residence of the Yamal variety of Santa Claus - Yamal Iri, hotels and cottages capable of housing a thousand guests, restaurants, an open and an indoor swimming pools, a helipad, an administrative complex with a concert and a conference halls.

The Yamal government informed RusBusinessNews that the Sofi syndicate is going to develop the concept, design the project, and undertake the construction of the Centre. The business plan and the architecture and construction concept should be ready in the second quarter of 2010. The active construction timeframe is planned to last two years. Experts estimate the cost of the project at 6 billion roubles.

The construction of the Polar Tourism Centre will be funded by raised money. Both parties have taken obligations to look for potential investors in Russia and abroad. Vnesheconombank is ready to provide investment consulting for the project.

Sofi will be managing the project in mid-term and will start working on engaging international hotel chain and tour operators and training the staff. The Yamal government will give the project a plot of land, provide necessary infrastructure and utilities, and provide tax concessions and state guarantees for the project. The creation of the complex unique for Yamal will enable the trebling of the influx of tourists from the current 17 thousand visitors a year to 50-60 thousand.