On 18 March, as part of the Interfabric‑2026.Spring business programme, the Manufactour: Industrial Tourism as a Driver of Regional Development, Human Resources, and Social Environment panel discussion was held.

Alla Sbitneva, Executive Director of the Corporate Business Development Department at Sberbank and a member of the Soyuzlegprom Board moderated the session. Participants discussed a wide range of issues related to industrial tourism in light industry and examined successful cases for possible replication.

Olga Yurakova, a certified industrial tourism mentor, noted that industrial tourism in light industry is developing more slowly than in other industrial sectors. However, existing practices from regions and individual enterprises prove that it is an effective tool for business growth in many areas.

Opening up the backstage of factories — showing production processes and technologies — increases customer loyalty, adds value to the HR brand, and attracts partners through demonstrated openness.

“Every visitor to a production site is a potential brand ambassador. They have seen for themselves how the product is made — their trust is backed by personal experience.”

She cited inspiring examples: Russkaya Kozha (Ryazan Region), Orenburg Down Shawls (Orenburg Region), and the BOSCO factory (Kaluga Region). Special attention was drawn to practices in the Ivanovo Region, where industrial tourism has become a powerful industry trend. Beginners were advised to study the excursion, educational, and career‑guidance projects launched at the Shuyskiye Sitsy Cotton Mills.

The speakers noted that industrialists now have access to various government support tools for developing industrial tourism. The most effective ones were presented during the panel. For example, Olga Shandurenko, Project Director of the Urban Economy Division at the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, spoke about its Open Industry project.

Support can come from the budget or from business partners. Notably, Sberbank is ready to co‑finance promising industrial tourism projects with up to 10 million roubles free of charge. Once again, Sberbank, Russia’s largest financial institution, is the strategic partner of the event.

It was noted that an expert community has already formed in Russia to help enterprises and entrepreneurs launch tourism projects. Mentors help assess infrastructure readiness, create routes, check safety, and — most importantly — build a team.

The speakers expressed confidence that hospitality opens a direct path to people’s hearts. Alla Sbitneva has seen this for herself:

“I got to know light industry while working on a project — I visited several textile mills. You have no idea how mesmerising a weaving loom is! I recommend everyone to visit industry facilities. Once you see it, you’ll fall in love with light industry for life”.