Alexei Tsydenov, 40, told Vladimir Putin that he can raise the quality of life 'in a fairly short period of time'.
A future international tourist bonanza is being brewed on the historic Great Tea Road.
Foreign visitors transiting on Russian airlines will be able to stay for 72 hours without documents as part of move to help boost tourism and economy.
Can the world's oldest and deepest lake finally realise its potential as a world class venue?
Wildfires rage around Lake Baikal with 5,000-plus emergency workers deployed.
Towering 80 metre monument to 'Christ the Teacher' by Zurab Tsereteli to find home in Russia's Pacific capital.
Flood of Chinese gamblers bring hope for success of Primorsky region gaming development.
Popular with the aristocracy and the royals in the 18th and 19th centuries, the lavish festivity will be held for tourists.
Notorious former prison opens hostel for guests complete with solitary confinement and mandatory gruel.
This vast region has some of the world's greatest rivers, but they could do much more to support the economic regeneration and security of the country.