Ethno-tourism in Russian Regions: Challenges and Prospects for Development

Abstract

This paper aims to shed light on the prospects of ethno-tourism cluster development in Russian regions. The methodology provided in the paper is applicable for the study of cluster approaches in tourism. The focus here is on good practices of ethno-clusters in tourism in Russian regions. In order to achieve this analysis, specific methods are used, including: system and comparative analysis, assessment of the resources and capacities of regions, administrative diagnostics, expert estimates, in-depth interviews, and social and psychological researches. The main results of this study show that the challenges and prospects for ethno-tourism development are defined and supported by the Mari El case study. The factors influencing ethno-tourism development are the tourism potential of the region, the attitude of local authorities towards tourism, the availability of necessary infrastructure and qualified personnel. The conditions facilitating the success of tourism cluster development are also analyzed. Firstly, this requires development of the target program for tourism with an emphasis on ethno-tourism at the level of local authorities; secondly, investment in tourism infrastructure development is necessary. This research is of practical importance for the modernization of domestic tourism programs in order to boost the regional economy.