How “More Than a Trip” Supports Heritage and Accessibility in Russian Tourism

What’s behind the special award categories

Within the All‑Russian prize “More Than a Trip”, launched by the Rosmolodëzh program, two new categories have appeared. Their purpose is simple: highlight initiatives that give Russian travel a deeper meaning – one that preserves memory, another that opens the road for people with disabilities.

Partners and their role

• Rospatriotsentr of Rosmolodëzh – the main sponsor of the “More Than Heritage” category. The centre selects and backs projects tied to patriotic education and the preservation of important events and places.
• Sensorium – Inclusive Museum of Darkness – partner for the “More Than Accessibility” category. The museum is known for its multisensory routes, where visual limits are compensated by sound, scent and touch.

Both partners not only provide the prizes; they also promise informational support, expert advice and mentorship.

Category “More Than Heritage”

This track looks for projects that help young people get to know Russia’s history. Evaluation criteria include:

• originality in handling historical material;
• bringing little‑known pages of the past to light;
• reliance on verified documents and facts;
• involvement of teenagers in research and creative activities;
• the project’s potential to sustain long‑term interest in history.

What winners will receive?

1. Participation in the “Origins” forum – the winning team secures a slot in one of the forum’s sessions planned for 2027, without a prior selection round.
2. Inclusion in the registry of best practices – the project is recorded in the official list of initiatives that foster patriotic education and memory preservation.
3. Help with grant preparation – experts from Rospatriotsentr will assist in drafting applications for grant competitions, boosting the chances of further funding.

These opportunities let energetic youth groups step beyond a local pilot and gain national recognition.

Category “More Than Accessibility”

Here the focus is on projects that make travel possible for people with health‑related disabilities. Selection criteria cover:

• degree of inclusivity and tangible improvement of participation conditions;
• communication methods with the target audience and how they are engaged;
• social impact and the reach of potential participants.

Prizes from Sensorium

1. Mentoring sessions – five meetings with museum experts aimed at developing and scaling the project.
2. Dark‑room excursion – an invitation for two people (or a team of up to eight) to experience a unique multisensory route in Sensorium, where sound, aromas and tactile elements replace sight.
3. Information support – media placements with the museum’s partners, social‑media mentions and personal recommendations from the head of Sensorium.

These awards do more than polish a single project; they raise public awareness of inclusive tourism.

How to apply

Applicants to the main prize simply tick a box in the questionnaire indicating that their project fits one of the special categories. No separate forms are needed – just describe the relevant features. After that, the partners’ experts will pick winners from the pool of all submissions.

What awaits laureates after the award

Beyond the partner prizes, winners receive:

• Media support on the “More Than a Trip” platforms and in partner outlets;
• Specialised training and chances to speak at program‑related events;
• Consultations from tourism and education professionals;
• Access to a closed Winners’ Club, a space for networking and finding new collaborators;
• A travel voucher under the prize programme, allowing the team to test new routes and ideas firsthand.

The laureates will be announced at a formal ceremony in Moscow, where each will have the floor to present the project to a broad audience.

Why it matters

Backing historical and inclusive initiatives hits two core goals of the national “Youth and Children” project: forging a sense of belonging among the younger generation and guaranteeing equal chances for anyone who wants to explore the country. The collaboration with Rospatriotsentr and Sensorium shows that state and cultural institutions are ready to invest in projects that turn travel into education and social integration, not just leisure.

What you can do now

If you’re already working on a patriotic route, a research venture, or you plan an inclusive tour, check whether your idea matches one of the special categories. Mark the relevant details in your application and gather evidence of novelty and social impact. Even a sketch‑level concept can open doors to mentors, grants and a wider audience.

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The “More Than a Trip” prize keeps widening its horizon, pulling into travel those who want to see new places, keep the memory of the past alive, and make tourism accessible for everyone.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.