On your right, ladies and gentlemen, please note the ruins of Grozny, and coming up on the left the renowned ORB-2 torture complex. At the end of the tour, please hand in your bulletproof vests. Although this scenario does not yet exist, the Chechen prime minister yesterday revealed plans to develop tourism in the war-torn republic, where pro-Russian forces clash each week with militants and swaths of the capital lie under rubble.
Ramzan Kadyrov, the Moscow-backed leader, said his administration planned to build a large hotel, set up campsites and restore historic monuments in anticipation of an influx of foreign visitors.
Mr Kadyrov, 30, a hard man who controls thousands of paramilitaries, said: "I am absolutely convinced that Chechnya's attractiveness is no less than other regions of Russia or Europe. If the necessary infrastructure is created, the tourist business could seriously add to the budget of the Chechen republic."
His plan includes regular bus links between Chechnya and western countries such as Germany and Belgium.
But the proposals alarmed tour operators. "Even a Russian tourist - who's not afraid of much - will hardly be enticed down there," said Irina Tyurina of the Russian Tourist Union.
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Chechnya and neighbouring entities Ingushetia and Dagestan, citing poor security and the risk of kidnapping.
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