Problem: How is Russia as a destination?

The worlds largest country -almost two times the size of United States. (source)
The size of the country causes problems -on the other hand an area so vast offers multiple
different cultural and geographical areas to see, however the majority of tourists isnt going
to have the time and the assets to travel all around Russia, as they wouldnt travel all around
the USA either.
Much of Russia lacks proper climate or soil for agriculutre, so those areas of the country are
naturally rural. Naturally, rural areas dont have many cultural attractions nor developed
infrastructure, so they dont offer much to see for the general population.
Russia also has many active volcanoes, which is a thread for tourism.
Russia has also some environmental problems that affect tourism negatively: some areas
are heavily contaminated from either agricultural chemicals or even intense radioactive
waste. Also the air isnt the cleanest: theres air pollution from heavy industry, emissions from
coal fired electric plants and from transportation in major cities.
Crime: many people may have negative image of Russia because they assosiate the country
with high crime rate. Especially people of colour may not think Russia as their first choice of
holiday, since racially motivated attacks occur there and locals tend to be more bias about
race than for example western Europeans. (This might partly be because there arent so
many people of colour in Russia, compared to Europe) Bizarrely these racially motivated
crimes tend to increase around the birthday of Adolf Hitler. (source)
Negative images from the times of Soviet Union: some tourists may still have very negative
images of Russia because of its history. During the Soviet government the countrys
hospitality field for example was not working so great, and the strict laws were off-putting.
Especially those tourists that have visited Soviet Union, may not trust that things are much
better in Russia. Some people also have very negative images about the political situation in
Russia, and may not want to travel there because of that.
Architecture: Russia has definitely gorgeous and unique architecture that attracts many
tourists. Also cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan have a lot to offer to those
interested in religious architecture: one is able to visit unique Christian Orthodox cathedrals
and in Kazan the modern Qolsharif Mosque alongside cathedrals. (source)
History: Russia has a lot to offer for those interested in history, as it is visible in modern
Russia: Moscows wide avenues, Stalin skyscrapers representing Stalins empire style and
the Red Square all offer tourists the chance to see a part of the countrys long and versatile
history. A lot of places in the big cities have also remained similar throughout history, and a
lot of traditions are still carried on there.
Diversity: Russia is very diverse both in nature and in culture because of its large size. It is
an unique experience to explore different parts of the country at the same trip: this is why
many tourists choose to do so by travelling across the country by train. Russia has a
massive railway network that connects the European rail network at one end with either
Vladivostok or China, allowing tourists to experience an unique trip across cultures and
landscapes.

Marketing: Russia could be better marketed as a destination. For example the trans-Siberian
route is such an interesting and unique experience, but I for one have only really heard
about it from other peoples experiences rather than from advertisements for Russian
tourism. In fact, Visit Russias website describes the journey as something only those brave
souls with strong nerves can do. Russia could market its diverse nature and culture for
tourists, as many foreigners and also Russians who live in cities lack knowledge of the
beauty they offer.

Hows Finland as a destination for Russian tourists?

-Visa is needed
-Nothing particularly new or exotic to see: for example Helsinkis architecture and culture
resembles those in Russia
-The nature and the environment are very much like in Russia
+Tax free shopping
+Good connections from Russia: by train, boat or airplane
+A lot of companies are prepared for Russian tourists: the Russian language is included in
lots of places

Sources:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia
http://formin.finland.fi/Public/default.aspx?nodeid=17384&contentlan=1&culture=fi-FI
http://www.visitfinland.fi/tietoa-kohdemaista/venaja/
http://www.visitrussia.org.uk/travel-to-Russia/toplocations
http://www.seat61.com/Trans-Siberian.htm