April 7, 2014. Sverdlovsk Region Economics Ministry started training cadre in the tourist industry in preparation for the World Cup 2018 in Yekaterinburg. The first set of 40 people are now undergoing professional development courses: they will be trained to meet and host large numbers of guests, Governor of Sverdlovsk Region’s Information Policies Department reports.

These 40 people are undergoing professional training within the framework of the Tourist Week in the Urals. At least 600,000 visitors are expected to arrive in Yekaterinburg during the Mundial, so the representatives of the tourist industry need to be prepared to services a number this big.

‘The Tourism Development Center is thinking not only of the sports events agenda for the foreign guests but also of the cultural and historical one: visitors to the Urals will be offered guided tours of the Nevyansk Tower, the churches and temples of Verkhoturye, and the landmarks associated with Pavel Bazhov,’ the press release says.

The center’s Director Elmira Tukanova says no special ‘football’ roots are being planned out.

‘I don’t think that sports-themed tours will be very popular. The football pitches themselves are bound to provide plenty of sports-related emotions. However, it will be interesting to get to know Sverdlovsk Region after the games,’ she explained.