A cluster model of ethno-tourism organization in Russian regions

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the prospects for cluster modeling of ethno-tourism development in Russian regions. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the methods of system and comparative analysis, mathematical statistics, managerial diagnostics, expert estimates, in-depth interview, cluster method and social and psychological testing. Findings A significant number of Russian and international researchers study the problem of cluster and network interaction in economics using different perspectives. Special attention should be paid to the theory of cluster and network interaction in the field of tourism. This theory establishes the framework for the formulation of the concept of regional tourism development. The author believes that the concept should be developed using network forms of interaction in the field. Practical implications The government should support cluster initiatives to improve the competitiveness of the country in the field of tourism. Further, this cluster policy should include tourist centers with the best prospects, as they are capable of stimulating the country’s economy, and develop a legal framework to provide cluster initiatives support. Otherwise, cluster and network modeling is likely to fail. Another limitation is the negative attitude of local and conventional religious communities toward the ideas of ethno-tourism issues; the best example is the included case study from Mari El Republic, Russia. Originality/value Given the wide ethic, cultural and geographical differences within the Russian Federation, it is helpful to develop a spatial model of cluster and network organization for tourism based on selection of the areas that feature unique natural and recreational potential in addition to historical and cultural attractiveness. These areas can be viewed as places where various cluster tourist initiatives and local tourist clusters can be implemented. The use of ethno-tourism as a base concept for local tourism development in the region is bound to make the region more attractive for investors and, thus, support and promote interest in the unique culture of the indigenous peoples.

The main trends, challenges and success factors in the Russian hospitality and tourism market

“…• Tambovtsev (2016) attempted to reveal institutional restrains impeding tourism development and to create a theoretical basis for institutional WHATT 8,3 development that could provide positive tourist experience production in emerging markets; • Kalabikhina and Shishalov (2016) examined more precisely the socio-demographic portrait of Russians engaged in travelling both in Russia and abroad; • Kazakov (2016) shed light on the market orientation concept and the implementation influence on company business performance in a local service industry on emerging market; • the articles by Sheresheva et al (2016) and Oyner and Korelina (2016) are focused on Russian hospitality challenges and opportunities in more complicated environments, examining the general market situation, the strategy of international and local operators and new forms of customer engagement in value co-creation, leading to better customer satisfaction; • the articles by Aleksandrova and Vladimirov (2016) and Polukhina (2016) are dedicated to the problems associated with boosting tourism cluster development and network interaction in Russian regions, including requirements for state support of cluster initiatives in the field of tourism. A number of cases are provided to illustrate and analyze perspectives of clustering and networking in the Russian hospitality and tourism market; and • finally, Merzlov and Karpov (2016) present a case of the association of the most beautiful villages of Russia and assess the experience economy approach as a base for successful association development.…”

Regional economic development and tourism: A literature review to highlight future directions for regional tourism research

“…Nevertheless, this situation appears to be changing with works from Mellon and Bramwell (2016), Polukhina (2016), Sgro and Hazari (2004), Sinclair and Stabler (1997), Sinclair et al (2009) and Yang et al (2018) and works in Asia (Zhang, 2017). Evolutionary theory is also becoming more widespread (Brouder, 2017; Brouder and Fullerton, 2015; Ma and Hassink, 2014; Meekes et al, 2017; Randelli et al, 2014; Sanz-Ibáñez and Anton Clavé, 2014; Tonts et al, 2014; Yang et al, 2017).…”

Os elementos que caracterizam o Cluster Turístico em Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brasil

“…O modelo proposto reconhece o papel dos governantes que definem as políticas que afetam a competitividade do cluster turístico e destaca o papel das universidades como estratégia chave para pesquisas no desenvolvimento da inovação e a diferenciação na oferta de produtos turístico e serviços, assim como, no treinamento e educação nos recursos humanos. É ressaltado pela Polukhina (2016), a necessidade do governo em apoiar as iniciativas nos centros turísticos com as melhores perspectivas. Estes centros tem a capacidade de estimular a economia de um país e desenvolver uma base de suporte para outras iniciativas de clusters.…”

“…Para alcançar tal objetivo, utilizou-se como base os conceitos de cluster através do enfoque da localização geográfica e da especialização produtiva (Porter, 2008;Sölvell, 2008;Nie & Sun, 2015) e dos aspectos associados a especialização no setor turístico Martins et al, 2016;Polukhina, 2016). Para efetuar descrição dos elementos constitutivos do cluster de Balneário Camboriú, utilizou-se como procedimentos técnicos, uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental.…”

“…A articulação com estas categorias de instituições, que se torna mais estreita nos clusters, estimula os processos de inovação (Sohn, Vieira, Casarotto Filho, Cunha, & Zarelli, 2016), considerados um dos fatores fundamentais para competitividade no turismo (Novelli et al, 2006) Para a Organização Mundial do Turismo [OMT] (n.d.) a constituição de clusters turísticos é uma tendência em curso em diversos países com o objetivo de promover o desenvolvimento regional e de estimular a inovação, a competitividade e o desenvolvimento econômico e social. Assim destaca-se que o debate acerca dos clusters turísticos é estimulado por programas de desenvolvimento local como estratégia adequada para combater as disparidades regionais e desigualdades sociais (Borkowska-Niszczota, 2015;Yıldız & Aykanat, 2015;Martins, Fiates, & Pinto, 2016;Polukhina, 2016).…”