The development of domestic tourism is an important factor for positive dynamics in the economic processes in the Russian Federation and its regions. Studying the history of tourism industry development in different Russian regions is a topical research objective. In the present-day world, the development of tourism in the country is impossible without developing relevant legal mechanisms at the national and regional levels. The difficult transition from economically ineffective state-controlled and socially-oriented Soviet Union tourism to the market-driven tourism industry demanded developing a totally new legal framework. The evolution of the legal regulations of tourism in Russia and in Kemerovo region reflects the main vector in the transformation of Russian regions’ tourism industry. The comparative historical and complex generic analyses of the legislation have made it possible to identify the major stages in the development of tourism industry legal base in Kemerovo Region. The development of the national legislation in the 1990s allowed for the formation of the tourism industry within the economic sphere and the social infrastructure of Russia. The regional specialization in the 2000s demanded for the regional legal base of tourism development. Since 2011, legal and financial support of cluster initiatives in tourism has been an important instrument of state and regional policy in this sphere.

Tourism is undoubtedly considered to be a strategic industry, especially in the countries with unique natural, cultural and historical resources. However, not very long ago the function of tourism in Russia was more of social character than of economic one. At present tourism is the largest intersectoral complex with a significant multiplicative effect. In order to strategize the tourist industry according to Dr. Vladimir L. Kvint’s methodology it is necessary to evaluate global, national and regional tendencies and consistent patterns, to make analysis of opportunities and threats and to concentrate on the priority trends of development of tourism. To be implemented the trends must be provided with competitive advantages. Kuzbass possesses unrealized potential in the development of niche types of tourism which include snowmobile, off road and industrial tourism. In the conditions of the current financial crisis it is a significant competitive advantage of the region which will make it possible to develop both intraregional and interregional tourism in this direction. Exhibition and fair activity is the most important tool of communication, a mechanism of promotion of new technologies and goods into foreign and domestic markets and a powerful driver of economy. Strategic interests both of the state and its key industrial region Kuzbass can also be realized by organizing international industrial fairs. The objective of the article is to ground the expediency of strategic development and to determine the priority directions for the development of tourism and exhibition and fair activity for the region’s economy in the post-crisis conditions.

The collective monograph "Strategizing of the Tourism and Trade Show Industries in Kuzbass Region" of the Library "Kuzbass Region Strategy" is a tourism and trade show industries comprehensive study that is of strategic importance in the Kuzbass Region economy. Kuzbass Region strategic branding, the development of which is based on rich cultural, historical, recreational, industrial potential and extensive experience of economic relations with adjacent regions, is considered as an effective tool of positioning and promotion of the region on the Russia and the world tourist map.