How to Apply and Recommend a Project for the “More Than a Trip” Award

What is the “More Than a Trip” award?

It is Russia’s first national prize aimed at boosting domestic tourism and shaping youth through journeys across the country. The programme runs under the national project “Youth and Children” and is meant to spotlight initiatives that turn tourism into a benefit for society, culture and patriotic awareness.

Who can take part?

The award welcomes a broad spectrum of participants:

• Tour operators and route designers – the people who carve new paths through Russia;
• Travel clubs and service companies – from hotels to online ticket‑search platforms;
• Event organizers – festivals, contests, educational programmes;
• Owners of unique sites – natural zones, cultural spaces, museums;
• Media creators – bloggers, journalists, videographers who tell travel stories;
• Regional authorities – bodies that systematically develop youth tourism;
• Ordinary travelers – individuals whose personal tales inspire others.

Any Russian citizen over 18 may also nominate themselves or a project they think deserves attention.

How to submit an application?

The call for entries opened in June and runs until 15 July. Applications are accepted in four main categories:

1. People – citizens whose journeys help shape patriotic values in young people;
2. Organizations – legal entities that create systematic solutions for youth tourism;
3. Projects – implemented initiatives that reveal travel’s potential as a tool for civic identity;
4. Subjects of the Russian Federation – regional bodies responsible for tourism and youth policy.

To apply, simply fill out the form on the official site – bolshchepremiya.rf. The questionnaire asks for the nomination title, the project name (or person’s name), a link to a supporting resource (website, social media) and a short justification of why the candidate deserves a spot.

How to recommend a project on social media?

A new mechanism lets you not only submit applications but also point out interesting initiatives through popular platforms. There are three ways:

• Website form – use the “Suggest a participant” section;
• Comment under the official post – paste the project link and briefly explain why it matters;
• Your own post – tag the potential participant and add the hashtags #большечемпремия, #большечемрекомендация, #достойнопремии.

When you recommend, be sure to include:

• The nomination you think fits the candidate;
• The full project name or person’s name;
• A source link that proves the activity;
• A short note on why this project deserves attention.

Nominations: what can you propose?

The award is split into eight main directions, each covering a distinct facet of tourism:

Nomination	What is considered
More than a tour	Projects that combine tourism, education and public benefit, carried out by relevant organisations
More than an excursion	Guides and programmes that reveal a region’s cultural potential
More than a hike	Hiking initiatives that explore Russia’s natural and cultural heritage
More than a service	Hospitality venues and service solutions (hotels, restaurants, co‑working spaces, online platforms)
More than a power place	Unique locations and events that can inspire travelers
More than media	Bloggers and content creators showcasing the country’s tourist potential
More than a region	Regional authorities that systematically develop youth tourism
More than a traveler	Personal stories that show how journeys change attitudes toward the Motherland

Pick the direction that best reflects the essence of your project.

What do winners receive?

Laureates get more than federal recognition; they also receive practical support:

• Media coverage on press outlets and the award’s own resources;
• Specialised training and the chance to act as experts;
• Consultations from industry professionals;
• Gifts from partners and a voucher for a trip under the “More Than a Trip” programme;
• Membership in a closed Winners’ Club, where experience is exchanged and new partners are found.

These perks help scale ideas, attract investment and broaden the audience.

Why should you take part?

For many initiatives the award is a ticket out of the local arena and into national spotlight. Even if your project doesn’t make the final list, the application process forces you to clarify goals, gather material and assess impact. And a social‑media recommendation can shine a light on projects that would otherwise stay hidden.

Practical tips

• Craft a short, punchy description: in a few sentences explain what makes the project unique and what effect it has already produced.
• Collect supporting links: official sites, social‑media pages, media coverage.
• Choose the right nomination: sometimes a project fits several categories, but it’s wiser to focus on the one where its strengths are most obvious.
• Don’t shy away from asking for a recommendation: if you know people who have already participated, their endorsement can speed things up.
• Watch the deadlines: applications close on 15 July, while social‑media recommendations can be posted any time before the intake ends.

How to follow the results?

Official announcements of winners and finalists appear on the award’s website and its social channels. Subscribing to those feeds keeps you in the loop and lets you see which projects have already been honoured – a great source of inspiration and a way to spot potential collaborators.

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The “More Than a Trip” award opens the door for anyone who wants to make tourism in Russia more meaningful, educational and patriotic. If you already run an interesting project or know of one, don’t miss the chance to put it forward officially or recommend it on social media – your voice could be the one that pushes the initiative to victory.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.