KRASNOYARSK, July 31. /TASS/. A visitor center in Norilsk will open in early 2025. Investments in the project are estimated at 80 million rubles ($875,000), Norilsk's Deputy Mayor Vladimir Barinov told TASS.

Earlier, authorities of the city in the Krasnoyarsk Region's north reported the number of tourists to Norilsk had more than tripled over four years - from 3,900 visitors in 2019 to 12,000 visitors in 2022.

"Right now, at the expense of the Norilsk Nickel Company (Nornickel) work on the project's papers is underway. Investments in the construction and equipment are estimated at 80 million rubles. The money will be allocated by the city budget," the official said, adding works on the visitor center would begin in 2024, and the center would be commissioned in the first quarter of 2025.

"We have set an ambitious task for ourselves, and, no doubt, we will manage to meet it - to make the best visitor center in Russia," he continued. "For it, we have a unique building, with high ceilings, columns, in downtown - in the central location - 16, Leninsky Prospect."

According to the deputy mayor, the center will offer information services, will have an exhibition space, and a zone for virtual tours. Besides, the center will be using a unified system to sell all tourist products.

Norilsk is one of the world's northernmost cities. Its population is 180,000 people.