The Russian International Academy for Tourism (RIAT) is a leading Russian educational and scientific center at international level in the field of professional tourism education, with branches in Russia and abroad. In Russia, RIAT is regarded as one of the most efficient private educational institutions. Evgeny Nikolayevich Trofimov, Rector of the most sought-after tourist university in the Russian Federation, is Doctor of Political Science, Honorary Worker of Higher Professional Education in the Russian Federation, Member of the Board of Directors of the International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO), Member of the Board of Directors of the International Association supporting Hospitality and Tourism Education and Training (EURHODIP). The Academy's founder is JSC "Central Council for Tourism and Recreation", which is headed by President Viktor Georgievich Pugiev, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Professor, current Member of the National Academy of Tourism. The Academy provides training for secondary vocational, higher and additional professional education. Today, as part of the RIAT, 6 branches conduct educational activities: the Moscow branch, the Armenian Institute of Tourism, the Western Moscow Region Institute of Tourism, the Kazan branch, the Voskresensk Institute of Tourism, the Pskov branch. Students and teachers actively participate in all events held by the Head University. More than 3,000 students study at the Head University and branches.