Visualizing Excursion Tours as a Way to Increase the Public Image Attractiveness of the Region (By the Example of Smolensk Region)

Abstract

The article presents the results of the research aimed at revealing theoretical and methodological backgrounds of how to improve the brand image of Smolensk region. The investigated issue is all the more acute as Smolensk region is a strategically important Russian region adjacent both to the border and to the capital. The study defines the factors that might contribute to shaping the up-to-date region's image through the introduction of the new technologies (visualizing of the excursion tours via augmented VR) into the development of tourism as a prospective direction of the region's economy.The above-mentioned innovative technologies to actualize the characteristics making up a favorable regional brand will certainly contribute to the stable development of tourism and the region's investment attractiveness.