Scholarly record

THE ECONOMIC ASPECT OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE TOURISM IN RUSSIA

I.V. Mukhomorova, E.N. Egorova, E.M. Kryukova, D.R. Makeeva, A.I. Rybakova

Abstract

In the article the questions connected with research of a modern condition of ecological tourism and prospects of its development in Russia are considered. To date, environmental tourism is one of the most promising and rapidly developing sectors of the tourism industry, occupying one of their leading positions. The methodological basis was the work of domestic and foreign scientists studying the problems of ecological and rural tourism and the development of special protected natural areas of Russia. In this context, the basic principles of ecotourism are highlighted. Ecological tourism is a relatively new concept in tourism activities. The main reason for the appearance of ecological tourism is in the "society-nature" system, or in the tourism interpretation - "tourism-ecology". The article addressed the issues of conceptual definition of ecotourism activity, formation and development of ecotourism concepts in domestic and foreign science and practice. The author's definition of ecological tourism is presented in terms of "nature-oriented" and "socially responsible" approach to this type of tourism. The place of ecological tourism and its role in the development of the system of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) of Russia is substantiated. In the analysis, the ecological tourism potential of Russian national parks have been identified and studies have been carried out concerning the main forms and problems of its use. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of comparative indicators of the number of tourists visiting specially protected natural areas in Russia. According to the World Tourism Organization, Russia has a great potential for ecotourism development and the opportunity to be on the list of leading countries in this direction. As a result of the research scientific and practical proposals for sustainable development of ecological tourism were given and it is proposed to develop a roadmap for the development of ecological tourism in the Russian Federation, containing a phased schedule for the implementation of measures to stimulate and develop ecotourism. National and regional levels of tasks were determined, as well as the mechanisms for involving public associations and organizations in the development of ecological tourism. Socio-economic stimulation of the development of ecological tourism will provide a multiplicative effect for the development of related and involved activities, therefore, will have a positive impact on the economy of the country as a whole. In this regard, the tasks of the system approach to the development of ecological tourism, the economic basis of this development and state participation in the control and regulation of ecotourism in Russia are becoming important.

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