Dmitry Medvedev had a working meeting with Head of the Altai Republic Alexander Berdnikov 2010-02-05 15:30:00 The Kremlin, Moscow The social and economic situation in the region was the subject of discussion. Dmitry Medvedev noted that, given the republic’s natural beauty and attraction as a resort destination, tourism should be developed as one of the engines driving economic growth in the region. Mr Berdnikov said that a tourism and recreation zone is being created in the region and that Altai Republic received nearly one million visitors last year.