Extended deadline for the “More Than a Trip” award: how to apply and what to expect

What the “More Than a Trip” award is about

It is Russia’s first national prize aimed at projects that turn domestic travel into something useful and inspiring. The Rosmolodyozh program, run under the “Youth and Children” project, gathers initiatives that can spark interest in Russia, showcase its cultural and natural heritage, and strengthen a sense of belonging to the Motherland.

Extended submission deadlines

At the request of participants, the organizers decided to push the deadline back. For most categories the last day is 28 August 2026, and for the “More Than a Region” category it is 1 October 2026 inclusive. This gives teams a chance to polish their ideas during the peak summer tourism season and to submit more complete documentation.

Main award categories

The prize features eight permanent categories, each targeting a specific type of initiative:

• More Than a Tour – projects that blend tourism, education and public‑benefit elements.
• More Than an Excursion – guides or programmes that reveal a region’s cultural potential and stir pride in the country.
• More Than a Hike – events that explore natural and cultural heritage through trekking tourism.
• More Than a Service – hospitality venues and services that simplify planning and carrying out trips (hotels, restaurants, coworking spaces, search platforms, guidebooks, etc.).
• More Than a Power Spot – places and events that showcase Russia’s unique tourism possibilities.
• More Than Media – bloggers and content creators who tell stories about the country’s tourist potential and patriotic journeys.
• More Than a Traveler – personal stories from Russians whose travels changed their outlook on life and the nation.
• More Than a Region – regional authorities that systematically develop youth tourism in their territories.

In addition, partner‑sponsored special categories are available (e.g., “More Than Heritage”, “More Than Unity”, “More Than Accessibility”). No separate application is needed for these; just tick the relevant characteristics in the main form.

How to submit an application

1. Register – go to the official site bolshechempremia.rf and create a profile.
2. Fill out the questionnaire – provide details about the project, pick the appropriate categories, and, if needed, mark any special characteristics.
3. Send – once the data are checked, the application is considered submitted. The regional category has a longer window, but the process is the same.

Remember that all project materials (presentations, videos, links) must be available online, because they will be used during the defence stage and in public voting.

Selection and voting procedure

For the first six categories winners are chosen by a two‑step method:

• Expert assessment – the jury reviews projects in a live defence, asks questions and scores them against pre‑announced criteria.
• Public voting – after the defence the projects appear on a dedicated section of the website, where users can cast their votes.

The “More Than a Traveler” category works differently: there is no live defence. The three best stories out of the top‑30 are selected solely through online voting.

What laureates receive

Winners get more than a federal badge; they also receive practical support:

• Publication in the media outlets of the “More Than a Trip” programme.
• Access to specialised training events and master‑classes.
• Opportunities to act as experts in programme projects.
• Consultations from tourism‑industry professionals.
• Gifts from prize partners and a voucher for a trip organised by the programme.
• Membership in a closed Winners’ Club, where contacts with other initiatives are forged.

How to nominate a third‑party project

Any Russian resident can recommend a project they think deserves the award. There are three ways to do it:

1. Fill out the “Propose a participant” form on the prize website.
2. Leave a comment under the official post in the prize’s channel, providing a link to the project’s site or social media.
3. Publish a post on your own social networks, tag the potential participant and add the hashtags #большечемпремия, #большечемрекомендация, #достойнопремии.

After a recommendation is received, the prize team contacts the suggested project, clarifies details and helps with the official application.

Why you should apply now

The deadline extension gives you time to refine ideas, gather extra material and attract partners during the summer, when tourist demand spikes. Taking part opens the door to a national network of experts, raises your project’s visibility and can become a springboard for scaling up.

If your project already helps people discover new corners of Russia, teaches them about cultural heritage or makes travel more accessible, don’t let the chance slip by. Registration and application take only a few minutes, while the potential benefits could accelerate your initiative’s growth dramatically.

Contact for questions: premia.morethantrip@yandex.ru, phone 8 800 444 80 63

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.