Tourism Potential of Orlovskoye Polesye: CENTER LAB Presents Research Findings

The international urban consultancy CENTER LAB has completed a study assessing the economic, social, and socio-cultural prerequisites for establishing a tourism and recreation special economic zone (SEZ) in the area bordering Orlovskoye Polesye National Park in the Oryol Region.

The study was conducted from October 30, 2025, to February 26, 2026, with the support of the Government of the Oryol Region.
The research aimed to assess the feasibility and development potential of a tourism and recreation SEZ, taking into account economic, social, environmental, and infrastructure factors. As part of the project, the CENTER LAB team assessed existing conditions, analyzed opportunities for infrastructure development, and created an analytical framework for further decisions on development scenarios and the potential boundaries of the SEZ.

The study covered areas adjacent to Orlovskoye Polesye National Park, as well as the protected natural area itself. The national park is one of the region’s key natural attractions, with unique flora and fauna, Russia’s largest population of European bison, and an extensive network of tourist routes.

One of the key stages of the project was an on-site survey, conducted by CENTER LAB experts on December 10, 2025. During the field visit, the team inspected potential sites for the SEZ, assessed transport accessibility and existing infrastructure, and reviewed potential investment sites.

The experts also met with representatives of the national park, investors, and industry specialists. The findings of the field survey provided a foundation for further analysis of the prospects for establishing a tourism and recreation SEZ in the region.

The study assessed potential tourist flows and different purposes of visit, developed preliminary scenarios for the territory’s development, and evaluated the potential increase in human pressure on the natural environment.

A separate workstream focused on socio-cultural research. To capture the views of local residents and users of the territory, an open survey was launched on January 16, 2026, focusing on the development of tourism within Orlovskoye Polesye National Park.

The findings made it possible to consider not only economic and infrastructure parameters, but also the views of local residents and the expert community on potential development scenarios.

Andrey Karpov, Head of the Department for Territorial Development Projects of the Government of the Oryol Region, highlighted the territory’s significant tourism and investment potential: “The unique natural and recreational characteristics of Orlovskoye Polesye, the strong popularity of ecotourism among people across Russia, and the national park’s proximity to high-spending markets with strong demand for weekend travel create attractive conditions for investors seeking to deliver ambitious tourism projects. A tourism and recreation special economic zone could provide a powerful impetus for this development.”

Ketevan Khelaya, Co-founder and CEO of CENTER LAB, emphasized that working with natural territories and tourism projects is one of the Laboratory’s established areas of expertise: “We have extensive experience working with national parks. At the beginning of our practice, in 2011–2012, we provided expert support for the first phase of tourism and recreation clusters financed under the federal target program ‘Development of Domestic and Inbound Tourism in the Russian Federation (2011–2018)’. These included the Nikola-Lenivets tourism and recreation cluster, located on the border of Ugra National Park in the Kaluga Region. CENTER LAB takes a highly responsible and careful approach to environmental legislation and the operation of specially protected natural areas. The Laboratory also developed Russia’s first tourism master plan for an entire region — the Republic of Khakassia.”

The study has resulted in a comprehensive analytical framework for assessing the future development potential of the area surrounding Orlovskoye Polesye National Park. Its findings can inform decisions on the potential establishment of a tourism and recreation special economic zone, define future development scenarios, and shape approaches to infrastructure development while respecting environmental constraints.

Photo: International Urban Consultancy CENTER LAB