THE ESSENCE OF THE SOCIO-CULTURAL ASPECT OF TOURISM AND RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGE AS SOCIAL NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL

Abstract: social and cultural factors of the development of modern tourism are studied. Particular attention was paid to the issues of the individual's need for tourist services, the social nature of the tourist's needs was determined, and the peculiarities of meeting the needs in tourist services were analyzed. Tourism is considered as a complex and multidisciplinary phenomenon, in its developed forms, it has a strong impact on both the person himself and many areas of his life – the organization of work and leisure, economic and social development, transforms the environment in the region in which it develops. Tourism is considered as a subject of scientific study, with its conceptual apparatus, functions and sphere of influence. The article examines the specifics of religious pilgrimage as a sociocultural phenomenon, social and individual spiritual practice, and a special communicative environment. The specific features of religious pilgrimage in the mentioned contexts determine the methodology of its sociological research.