Tourism Economy of Kemerovo Region in 2009-2017: Strategies, Results, and Challenges

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the development of tourism industry in Kemerovo region in 2009-2017. The study is based on the analysis of a number of socioeconomic statistical indicators: the amount of tourist services rendered to the population, investments in fixed assets, the growth of the number of hotel rooms, the dynamics of the number of accommodation facilities' employees. The competitiveness of Kuzbass in comparison with other Siberian regions is analyzed. The regional authorities' policy, including the regional legislation in the field of tourism and the 2025 Strategy for Tourism Development in Kuzbass, is studied. Examples of successful development of Kuzbass tourist destinations are shown. The analysis shows that concerning the amount of tourist services provided to the population, Kemerovo region ranks first in the Siberian Federal district, and since 2012, stably ranks among the 12 best regions in Russia. This is supported by a purposeful policy of the regional authorities aimed at tourism development, including the implementation of public-private partnerships and the creation of cluster associations. It is concluded that the tourism industry is of strategic importance for Kemerovo region's economy in the context of attracting investments, increasing jobs, incomes, taxes, and other micro-and macroeconomic indicators.