The Russian region of Karelia is part of the larger Northern Europe region of the same name, currently split between Russia and Finland. Despite its vast territory, the population of Karelia is small, around 600,000 people.

Samarkand’s rich history, architecture, and culture earned it a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as ‘Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures’ in 2001.

It is among the most attractive mountain destinations in Eastern Europe, appealing to visitors both in winter and summer.

The Kuril chain of more than 50 islands stretches 1,200 km from the southern tip of the Kamchatka peninsula to within sight of Japan’s northernmost Island, Hokkaido.

Although the city of Turkestan was always a popular destination for internal tourism, it was more widely associated with pilgrimage, not entertainment. The city is one of the most ancient settlements within the borders of what is modern Kazakhstan.

Realising that fossil fuels would not last forever, Kazakhstan took steps to diversify its economy. This included a new focus on its tourism industry. Though under-developed, officials knew it was an area that had much to offer.

Since the new government came to power, it has embarked on an ambitious economic reform plan. And that includes the long-ignored tourism sector.