Pandemic Impact on Tourism and Balneological Industries Development (Exemplified by the Chechen Republic)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the structure and geography of tourist demand changed. The borders were closed, and consequently, Russians turned their attention to resorts within the country, including the regions of the North Caucasus, which are rich not only in amazing nature but also in unique balneological resources. The latter is particularly relevant at a time when a dangerous virus is spreading. Tourist flows towards the health and spa industry increased and considerably became presented by the younger population. The aim of the study was to analyze the changes in the tourism market in recent years and assess the effectiveness of support measures for the tourism business. The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism and recreation industry in Russia as a whole and the Chechen Republic in particular were assessed by means of statistical analysis methods using such indicators as collective accommodation facilities, tourist flow, volume of tourist services provided to the population, etc. Content analysis of news portals and official websites of executive authorities made it possible to assess the problems faced by the industry and the anti-crisis measures being applied. On the one hand, the role of the Chechen Republic in the tourist services market has strengthened in recent years. On the other hand, despite the prospects and growth of domestic tourism, the Chechen Republic has not yet managed to become one of the leading regions in terms of tourist flow due to a number of problems typical for the region, some of which have only intensified during the lockdown and in the post-crisis period. However, this problem can be solved through the development of a tourism cluster linking the different republics of the Caucasus.