At the Caucasus Investment Forum, Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, noted that the tourism is one of the most promising industries opening up additional opportunities for the economy of the North Caucasian region, including through a multiplier effect on related industries.
On the first day of the Caucasus Investment Forum, contracts worth RUB 59.5 billion were signed. The first agreement was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak and the Head of the Republic of Dagestan Sergey Melikov, between the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Dagestan and the joint-stock company "Caspian Resorts 1". The agreement is for the construction of a five-star hotel on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The resident company, "Caspian Resorts 1", plans to open the hotel with 220 rooms by 2028, investing almost RUB 5 billion in the project.

On the sidelines of the Forum, a session titled "Build Your Own Resort" was held. Emin Merdanov, the regional Tourism Minister participated as an expert and a member of the jury. Within the framework of the Forum, Ratmir Rasulov, the deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Republic of Dagestan, participated in a discussion on innovative approaches to developing tourism in the protected areas of the Greater Caucasus. Dagestan has five specially protected natural areas of federal significance and 46 of regional significance. By 2030, it is planned to develop tourist infrastructure in all of these national parks, including ecological trails, recreational areas, museums and visitors’ centers.

It should be noted that the number of tourists visiting Dagestan in the first half of 2024 increased by 8%. In 2024, Dagestan authorities allocated RUB 58 million to support 11 tourism projects in seven municipalities of the republic. The state support of tourism industry in Dagestan under the national project has doubled to RUB 762 million.

The increase in the number of tourists is facilitated by the creation of new attractions, such as the cave complex "Salatau" and light and music fountain in Derbent. Additionally, the rocket ship - ekranoplan "Lun" has become a popular attraction. Tourist destinations such as Derbent, Gunib, Khunzakh, Kubachi and Balkhar remain popular, as well as the traditional attractions such as Sulak Canyon, "Sarykum" Barkhan, Samur Forest and tower complexes of Goor.

The active development of tourist infrastructure is also contributing to the growth of tourism. Comfortable hotels and glamping parks are being built, beaches are being improved and new catering facilities offering a wide range of local cuisine are opening. It is expected that the measures taken in Dagestan to promote tourism will lead to a 10-12% annual increase in tourist numbers.