OREANDA-NEWS. On 31 March 2009 was announced, that gates to the North is an inter-regional event, show and exhibition for the tourism industry. It is held annually with an active backing of the Vologda Oblast Government. The venue of the Gates to the North is the Exhibition Centre "Russky Dom". The exhibition area and various segments, along with the comprehensive programme and supporting events represent the entire product spectrum of the tourist industry of the Vologda Oblast. At the same time, they form the basis for the development of new ideas, approaches and targeted marketing.

The aim of the Gates of the North is to highlight new itineraries in the Vologda area, to develop tourist infrastructure and to present the full range of technologies and services. It provides a unique opportunity for the whole tourism industry to meet, network, negotiate, conduct business and stay abreast with the latest developments.

The main advantage of the exhibition is its grasp of the customer needs. Participation in the exhibition gives the opportunities for entering the developing tourist market, establishing new business contacts and promotion of company's brand among customers. The most famous and respectable tour operators, hotels and sanatoriums take part in the exhibition. For travel agencies this is the best way to attract more potential customers on the verge of summer tourist season.

Special section of health resorts and camps for children are widely presented at the exhibition.

Gates to the North offers comprehensive business and entertainment programme for the participants and visitors. It includes presentations of tourist resources of the Vologda districts, daily seminars aiming to upgrade professional skills of those involved in tourism industry, round-table discussions, contests intended to boost tourism business in the region.

Alongside with presentations of tourism opportunities, the programme of Gates to the North includes an exhibition for traditional crafts and souvenirs organized as part of the project "Veliky Ustyug - Homeland of Father Frost".

The inter-regional tourism exhibition Gates to the North - 2009 will be held from 17 to 18 of April at the Exhibition Center "Russky Dom". Exhibitors from Austria, Bulgaria, Belarus, Hungary, Slovakia and Finland are expected to participate in the exhibition this year.