On the priority development areas in international tourism

Abstract

Subject. The article discusses the issues concerning the emergence of priority development areas in international tourism. Objectives. I point out various types of priority development areas, evaluate their capabilities for tourism development. Methods. The study is based on methods of analysis, synthesis, scientific abstraction, and SWOT analysis. Results. The article describes in comparison of various types of priority development areas, spotlights their capabilities for tourism development. I propose a new type of priority development areas, such as a local recreation and health complex, and provide its description. Currently, inbound tourism grows more important, which almost surpasses economic expectations. As the confrontation between Russia and Western countries perseveres, inbound tourism serves as a crucial element of public diplomacy, or the so called soft power of Russia. Inbound tourism may definitely have a positive effect on the public sentiment in the Western countries and help mend international relations. Conclusions and Relevance. It is still relevant and effective to create priority development areas, which can be used for the production and servicing sectors of the economy. The creation of priority development areas can give an additional impetus to tourism development. It is noteworthy that various types of priority development areas have their own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to maintain the optimization of inbound tourist flows, their more even dispersion across the area, and prevent excessive tourism in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as the Black Sea resorts.