Analysis of the Federal Policy of Tourism Development in Vladivostok city, Russia

During the last several years, the Russian federal government has been putting significant effort and making massive investments in the development of tourism in Vladivostok city. The aim of this study is to answer the question “Is it possible to create an effective tourism and cultural center, initiated from the top by a federal authority?” The methodologies used in this research are, firstly, a review of statistical indicators and, secondly, a qualitative analysis of the actual progress toward this goal. This study demonstrates that the actual policy implemented to make Vladivostok city a cultural and tourism center, initiated from the top by the federal government, has advantages and specific features that simultaneously contribute to and impede successful policy implementation. Due to the efforts of the federal authorities, the region can receive vast investments within a short period of time. However, it is difficult for regional authorities to keep up with the speed and volume of such projects.