Relatively affordable Arctic tours may hit the market within two years, said Maya Lomidze, Executive Director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.

"I believe that we will be able to offer Arctic tour packages in a more or less affordable range within two years," she told RIA Novosti.

Arctic tourism remains underused in the Russian market, she noted. "This is because most people think of it as expensive; but practice shows that Arctic trips can be affordable," Lomidze said.

Lomidze says the Arctic has other advantages. "The Arctic includes the tundra, reindeer, small ethnic groups, the Aurora Polaris and a good hotel infrastructure… The Arctic route is very promising," she added.