Today, at the XXIV St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) within the framework of the panel session "Continuing the Legacy of Industrial Cities Through the Distinctive Atmosphere of Contemporary Public Spaces", Pavel Shilyaev, CEO of Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK), presented the Company’s experience in the sphere of industrial tourism.

"We decided to develop industrial tourism, understanding city residents and visitors’ interest in the Magnitogorsk plant, both as a historical object and a modern operating enterprise that adheres to the principles of sustainable development and is aware of its social responsibility as a city-forming enterprise,” Pavel Shilyaev said, “The realisation of this project marks a new approach to organising tours at MMK and to popularising steelmakers’ work. Improvement of Magnitogorsk’s tourist attractiveness promotes both development of small and medium business and the city as a whole."

Industrial tours designed for adults and children were launched at MMK in 2018. Due to the threat of COVID-19, the tours were replaced by virtual visits to the plant in 2020. A marked improvement in the epidemiological situation made it possible to resume in-person tours in April of this year.

MMK is the only ferrous metallurgy enterprise in Russia to offer guided tours at its industrial site for children aged 6 to 14. Children can take the routes "At Dad's Work" and "Visiting Steelworkers", which include a visit to MMK's science and technology museum and a bus tour of the MMK site. The guide's story about the past, present and future of MMK is accompanied by illustrations and video clips about specific steelmaking processes. Adult tourists are offered the routes "Taming Fire" and "Steel Evolution". Visitors can visit MMK’s operating shops and the science and technology museum. To date, more than 15,000 people, including about 2,500 children, have visited MMK.  

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the multi-purpose “Attraction” park project, initiated and financed by Victor Rashnikov, Chairman of MMK's Board of Directors, was also presented. As part of the project, an area in Magnitogorsk spanning about 400 hectares will be completely redeveloped. The project is large-scale and, in many respects, one of a kind in Russia. The development of this site will create a qualitatively new urban environment, giving city residents new opportunities for personal development, sports, art, training and wellness.