The paper considers abilities of natural recreational resources transformation to the basic for domestic tourist clusters formation, defines a cluster as a methodology for the development of globally competitive regional (national) healthand wellness tourism (HWT) systems that have the potential both to stimulate the economic system of the home country and to integrate themselves into cross-border tourist flows and industry investments. Based on the analysis of the best practices in the formation of HWT clusters, their main types, features of organization and functioning are identified, geographical, social, and economic conditions for the implementation of clustering strategies in various countries and regions of the world are given.

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Since ancient times, health remains one of the most critical values that draws close attention at the modern stage of development. Based on the Concept of Long-term Socio-economic Development of the Russian Federation until 2020, the formation of values associated with the development and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle is one of the priorities of state policy. The individual’s fast-paced lifestyle is driven by the fact that the travels that mainly pursue health and recreation goals are highly significant, including in the territory of the Russian Federation. This article provides an assessment of health and recreation potential of tourism in the Russian Federation, identifies main issues of its competitiveness and its economic value. The paper speaks in favour of government interference into the tourism industry activity by means of different regulation methods in order to stimulate more efficient activity and development.