Challenges and Prospects of Quest-Tourism Development in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Region

Abstract

   The article analyzes the resource potential of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, which impacts the development of niche types of tourism in the region and identifies key reasons for fostering a higher demand for incountry tourism. The necessity to develop tourism of special interests was shown and quest-tourism was identified as one of its promising trends. The authors studied quest-tourism and proposed its definition and classification that can give an opportunity to investigate it in detail. Recommendations and principle lines in quest-tourism development in the region were provided. The analysis of quest-tourism showed deficit of quest-rooms in the Leningrad region, which can seriously decrease its potential. Apart from that, problems of organizing interactive programs for people with limited health possibilities were highlighted. The article pointed out to opportunities to form a new line in quest-tourism, i. e. inclusive quest and to development of inclusive quest-tours. Variants of inclusive quest-tour organization were shown and their topicality and expedience were grounded. The authors demonstrated the importance of creating comfortable conditions in quest-tours for people with limited health possibilities and studied key lines in providing accessible environment for this group of tourists. Findings of the research can be useful for business-community and regional bodies of administration responsible for the development of tourist industry.