ARKHANGELSK, December 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin cited developing tourism in Russia’s Arctic zone as one of the country’s "most important systemic tasks" at a meeting devoted to the expansion of key settlements in the region.

"Among the most important systemic tasks is the development of tourism, which has huge potential in the Arctic zone," the head of state said.

In his words, in order to fully develop the tourism industry in the region, it is necessary to improve the hospitality industry, to offer interesting tourist routes and services, as well as to develop cities and towns.