Current Condition and Territorial Disproportions in the Development of Tourist and Recreational Potential in Volgograd Region

Today, tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the structure of the world economy. Every year Russia’s share in the global tourism industry is growing, which is reflected in the economy and infrastructure of the country as a whole. The majority of Russian tour agents value the development of regional tourism, which has become a stimulus for the development of tourism in the constituent entities. In the conditions of the modern socio-economic space, the sphere of tourism and recreation can be of strategic importance for the development of regions, especially those that belong to the category of subsidized or even depressed. In this regard, a detailed study of the tourist and recreational potential of the regions is of particular importance. Volgograd region is an attractive territory for the development of regional tourism. Possessing a favorable geographic location, natural resources, and rich historical past, the region is promising for the development of modern forms of tourism and recreation. The data obtained in the course of the research are important in the implementation of comprehensive work on the tourist and recreational development of the territory of Volgograd region. On their basis, cartographic bases for the assessment and development of recreational nature management in the region are being developed and implemented. The results of these studies can be used by educational organizations of Volgograd region, executive authorities, local self-government bodies, private investors, heads of tourist companies operating domestic tourism, representatives of public organizations engaged in youth and sports tourism when developing a strategy for the tourist development of the region, planning, developing and conducting recreational activities and tourist routes on the territory of Volgograd region, and training specialists in the field of tourism and recreation.