Tourism Transformation within the Sustainable Development Paradigm

Abstract

Amidst the external restrictions, domestic tourism in Russia is actively developing. While this creates new opportunities for regional development, it also poses certain risks to the sustainable development of tourism destinations, particularly in the areas of ecology and environmental protection. In some countries, tourism development is moving along a sustainable tourism trajectory, under which a portion of the funds generated by tourism-driven economic development is directed toward reducing the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. Aim. Firstly, to characterize current state of tourism industry in Russia, in terms of sustainable development. Secondly, to analyze international practices in sustainable tourism and identify limitations to sustainable tourism development in Russia. Finaly, to propose a series of measures to support the development of sustainable tourism in Russia. Methods. To assess tourism development in Russia, a comprehensive systematic approach was implemented, integrating comparative, statistical, and spatial-geographical methods. To assess sustainable tourism practices, a critical and retrospective analysis of scientific publications on the topic was conducted, along with a detailed review of international and Russian regulatory documents governing the formation and development of the tourism and recreation industry. Conclusions. When developing measures, we should: consider the impact of the increased tourist flow on the sustainable development of destinations, while assessing their capacity; redistribute tourist flows; develop tourism infrastructure and improve transport accessibility; expand the range of tools for developing sustainable tourism, etc.